I would like to launch on this forum my revolutionary, ground-breaking discovery in the field of molecular physics.
Except I don't know anything about the subject, so….something more earthy.
Mr and Mrs GOF chose to live in a location not serviced by the electricity grid of Australia.
Powering household energy requirements became one of our most challenging priorities. Compromise became the inevitable reality. We could have no ambition to own every electrically powered product ever known to K mart. Alternative power is very expensive on a per kilowatt hour comparison with mains electricity, and every situation requires an individual solution. No "one size fits all".
Hydro power was an option, except there was inadequate water during the 4 month dry season.
We built a wind generator which was not favorably viewed by God, who supplied temperamental winds. Unimpressed by my persistence in carving a more efficient propeller and almost beating Him at His own game, He totalled the whole enterprise with a single bolt of lightning.
It was almost enough for me to demote Him from capital letter status.
God, it would seem, is not a very environmentally friendly dude.
We settled on a small solar power system for lighting, and powering small appliances, in tandem with propane gas for refrigeration and water heating. Solar remains an expensive solution for these two high energy consuming applications.
Our electricity usage requires daily compromise and strict rationing of electrons. We have a one- hour- only computer use allocation. If Mrs GOF wants to photoshop, then the world is spared GOF inflicting his blogging upon it for another day. The world would probably be a better place if Mrs GOF did a lot more photoshopping.
If the sun does not shine,( which is a frequent occurrence in an area of 150 inch annual rainfall,) then neither of us can use the computer.
And we never, ever, leave a light on if we are not using it.
Visitors incur the wrath of GOF if they forget to turn a light off.
GOF Wrath is not a good thing.
We have neighbours who adopted an energy policy of "you can never have enough" and, along with solar have 2 micro hydro turbines, and a diesel backup generator. They do have an adequate flow of electricity to power the complete K Mart whitegoods repertoire……..When the system is working!!!! Which it frequently is not. Their installation, maintenance and repair costs are high.
There is no intention in this discussion to make judgement of right or wrong with these two systems and start a bun fight between good neighbours. Each system has both advantages and deficiencies.
Each is a compromise and an individual choice.
These same choices may well face all countries in the world on a larger scale as they grapple with the issue of increasing energy demands. Coal-burning power stations are polluting our planet. Nuclear technology can have frightening and catastrophic consequences. (Chernobyl). Natural gas and petroleum products are a finite resource. New and alternative technologies are urgently required.
Just as our planet will not forever tolerate every member of its increasing human population driving its own individual petroleum powered motor vehicle, so also will there not always be a completely unlimited and cheap supply of electricity available at the flick of a switch.
It is time for the innovative, environmentally aware energy planners of our future world to step up onto centre stage, grab the baton, and start conducting the orchestra of world electricity consumption with a little less fortissimo and a lot more moderato.
And please turn the light off when you don't need it. Thank you.