Can a world without fossil fuels actually function?
In short: Electricity generation accounts for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. While decarbonizing the grid is a scientific necessity, the transition involves a complex puzzle of balancing intermittent renewables with the massive energy demands of industry, transport, and heating.
The challenge of decarbonization lies in replacing carbon-intensive sources with a diverse mix of alternatives. Scientists and engineers are currently exploring the deployment of solar, wind, nuclear, and hydroelectric power to reduce the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. While these technologies offer a path away from fossil fuels, each presents unique benefits and technical drawbacks that must be managed to maintain a stable supply.
Some researchers argue that a complete transition is possible using only wind, water, and solar energy—often referred to as 'WWS'. In 2009, Mark Jacobson of Stanford University and Mark Delucchi of the University of Estonia published a study suggesting the entire world could run on these sources by 2030, bypassing coal, oil, natural gas, and even nuclear power. This vision relies on a massive, highly specific infrastructure of turbines, solar plants, and tidal devices.
To demonstrate the feasibility of this 'WWS' model, Jacobson recently applied the framework to New York State, detailing how residential, industrial, and transport sectors could be powered. His proposed mix for New York is incredibly granular, relying heavily on 12,700 offshore wind turbines and 40% of the state's energy. The plan also incorporates a vast array of smaller-scale technologies, such as 5 million residential rooftops with solar cells and 2,600 tidal energy turbines. While such detailed strategies spark intense debate between energy planners and status-quo advocates, they provide a mathematical blueprint for a post-carbon economy.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Can We Make Electricity Without Fossil Fuels?: Crash Course Climate & Energy #3
- Also: How to Power the World without Fossil Fuels
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