Fossil fuels and clean, plentiful energy in the 21st century: The example of coal
Many people believe we must quickly wean ourselves from fossil fuels to save the planet from environmental catastrophe, wars and economic collapse. However, we have the technological capability to use fossil fuels without emitting climate-threatening greenhouse gases or other pollutants. The natural transition from conventional oil and gas to unconventional oil, unconventional gas and coal for producing electricity, hydrogen and cleaner-burning fuels will decrease energy dependence on politically unstable regions. In addition, our vast fossil fuel resources, perhaps especially coal, are likely to remain among the cheapest sources of clean energy for the next century and perhaps longer, which is critical for the economic and social development of the world's poorer countries. By buying time for increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable energy technologies and making nuclear power more attractive, fossil fuels will play a key role in humanity's quest for a sustainable energy system.
Year of publication: |
2007
|
---|---|
Authors: | Jaccard, Mark |
Published in: |
EIB Papers. - Luxembourg : European Investment Bank (EIB), ISSN 0257-7755. - Vol. 12.2007, 1, p. 80-104
|
Publisher: |
Luxembourg : European Investment Bank (EIB) |
Saved in:
freely available
Saved in favorites
Similar items by person
-
Axsen, Jonn, (2009)
-
Institutions and processes for scaling up renewables: Run-of-river hydropower in British Columbia
Jaccard, Mark, (2011)
-
Taxing Emissions, Not Income: How to Moderate the Regional Impact of Federal Environment Policy
Peters, Jotham, (2010)
- More ...