How to power the entire planet with renewable energyRidding the world of fossil fuels doesn’t have to be a pipe dream, say scientists Mark Jacobson and Mark Delucchi. Here’s their plan to supply 100% of the world’s energy needs with wind, water and solar technologies by 2030.
Solar power
The black hole that fits in your back pocket
Want a portable black hole that you can carry around, sucking up microwave light and turning it into heat? Chinese physicists have created one, but relax, it won’t suck you into it. It’s more aimed at the solar energy market.
PHOTO GALLERY: Amazing solar powered houses
Teams from universities all over the world are competing to design and construct innovative new solar-powered, energy-efficient houses as part of the Solar Decathalon. Check out some of their amazing designs.
Sunny side up: power the whole world with solar
How much of the earth’s surface would need to be covered by solar panels in order to power the whole world in 2030? Not that much. It would take up a far bit of the Sahara desert, but that alone could power all of Europe and North Africa.
Has the sun lost its spots?
Among some global warming sceptics, there is speculation that the Sun may be on the verge of falling into an extended slumber similar to the so-called Maunder Minimum, several sunspot-scarce decades during the 17th and 18th centuries.
