How many years until we get to a Renewable Energy economy?

Question

How long do you think realistically will it take for us to have our energy come from renewable energy systems?

Answer 1

God willing hopefully soon.

Answer 2

Forgive me for sounding pedantic but exactly what do you mean by a renewable energy economy?

We are using hydro power right now.

But I guess you're asking about having an economy based on things like solar power, tidal power, geothermal heat, and the like.

You know, in spite of desires to the contrary, a profit driven economy is really the only viable option.

I'm just guessing, but I'm thinking that you are hoping that we as a nation (or a world population) would base our economy on a sense of community and a desire for fairness rather suffering under the popular belief that greed motivates the business world.

The truth is though that everyone, even you, wants the most stuff he can get for the least effort expended. Some would categorize this as being your being greedy even though we both know you're just being normal.

Be that as it may, no businesses are going to invest in equipment or personnel unless they believe they can realize a profit from those ventures, just like you will not agree to trade you labor for no money (you won't work for no paycheck, except when you volunteer.)

So the answer to how many years is, as many years as it will take before it's no longer profitable to use fossil fuels.

Another option that many people always then ask about is that of using government to to mandate that these various methods be employed. But just as you don't like being forced to work for nothing, even if it's for a good cause, so too corporations (which consist of individuals) also don't like to be forced to do the same. And you of course also know that, unlike you and me, these giant corporations have their hands in government's pockets and so will NOT lose even a penny if forced to do that which they don't choose, and so will be subsidized, and you and I as taxpayers and consumers will foot the bill.

Answer 3

That depends on what percentage of our economy.

WE may never reach 100% Renewable Energy.

right now we only get 6% of our Electricity from renewable sources.

and that does not take into account our fuel consumption.

Answer 4

That depends what percentage you're talking about.  If you're talking 100%, it will be a long time.  We would need to find a large source of renewable energy capable of providing baseload power, or a good energy storage medium for that to be possible.

In the US, several states are shooting for 20% renewable energy production for 2010-2020.  To get up to 50% renewable I'd guess no earlier than 2030, and that would take a concerted effort.

Answer 5

Perhaps when there isn't a military conflict of fictitious cause the funding might exist, or maybe its a myth that diatoms are not renewable.

Answer 6

probably by 2009 i heard

but most definetly by 2011