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You might think
the background picture is a Van Christou photo from Pincher Creek circa 2050.
Actually it’s from Denmark now. Solar energy and water power can also reduce
emissions.
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The nuclear
fission reactors were built in China since Canada signed Kyoto in 1997. It is
likely these two reactors are Canada’s single biggest contribution to global
greenhouse gas reduction since Kyoto was signed.
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We are trying to
bring the sun’s source of energy down to earth with nuclear fusion energy.
Canada just failed in a bid to host the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor. That experiment may take place in Japan or France.
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These sources of
energy all have shortcomings relative to the convenience of portable liquid
fuels. We are working to develop hydrogen technology to make them more
usable. Success will help overcome these shortcomings to make their energy
storable and portable.
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Using hydrogen
this way to avoid emissions will require additional energy. Its production introduces additional steps
and processes. These tend to introduce inefficiencies leading to a need for
even more energy. Much development is
still needed to make hydrogen practical.
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It seems, to
reduce emissions using these energy sources; we will tend to use even more
energy. An article in this month’s Scientific American[1] provides details.
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[1] Matthew L. Wald “Questions about a Hydrogen Economy” May, 2004
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