Forum:Alternative Energy

Since the 70s and 80s, oil production has peaked and fallen in multiple countries in the world. Since the 60s, pollution levels make it unbearable to live across the globe, and not just for humans. So I'm wondering how alternative energy develops in alternate histories.

Prior to WW2, I doubt there'd be any real thought given to the matter. Real consideration I think would really only develop during the mid 60s, after many environmental disasters, increasing levels of pollution, and realization of the dangers of nuclear radiation. However, oil companies would still have control, and any major changes I think would happen only past peak production somewhere around 1975.

Oil becomes scarcer, and the world is in a crappy state. Could a major oil corporation begin a transition towards clean energy? And who would be willing?

In the 70s and 80s, there would probably be no possibility of nuclear fusion power, and solar power plants would be incredibly expensive at this time, even though there's incredible potential, particularily in poorer, sub-Saharan African nations.

The best bets would be hydro and wind. Again, there's incredible potential in hydropower. However, dams are equally as environmentally damaging as old coal and oil power.

But...

What about waterwheel power! The function would be the same as a dam: water turns the wheel, which turns the thingies in the generator, and poof! Electricity! Plus, you can build batteries of them over a stretch of river.

Also, couldn't people design dams that have openings in them to allow free passage of water?

Good ol' fashioned wind turbines (not windmills) could also be used to turn the tingies in a generator (I'm not mechanically inclined, sorry!).

Although oil companies wouldn't want to Go Green, but I'm sure some of them would realize that there's more potential in alternate energy, as oil lasts only for so long, while things like the Sun's energy, the wind, and water are endless!

Canuck2012 (talk) 23:26, July 27, 2012 (UTC)Canuck2012