Future energy sources?

[FrazeeDK]

let's see if the US Army actually has SMR's providing power for selected bases by 2028 as in the article..

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bri ... es-by-2028

[Doodoo]

Scientists have discovered vast natural reserves of “white hydrogen”

Pure hydrogen gas trapped deep underground — potentially unlocking a new era of clean, sustainable energy. Unlike industrial hydrogen, which requires expensive and carbon-intensive production, this naturally occurring form exists freely in Earth’s crust, ready to be extracted with minimal environmental impact.

Early studies estimate there could be trillions of tons of this hydrogen, enough to meet global energy demands for over a millennium. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and European energy agencies are already mapping potential hotspots in Mali, France, and the U.S., where exploratory drilling has confirmed its presence.

If scalable extraction becomes possible, white hydrogen could replace fossil fuels entirely, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. It’s a discovery that could redefine global energy systems — clean, infinite, and right beneath our feet.

[Doodoo]

https://hydrogenindustryleaders.com/hyb ... in%20Japan.

[Doodoo]

Canadian researchers have announced a groundbreaking prototype of a cold fusion reactor capable of generating continuous power without radiation or carbon emissions. Unlike traditional nuclear fusion that requires extremely high temperatures, this innovation achieves plasma confinement at near-room temperatures, opening a new chapter in clean energy science. If successfully scaled, it could supply virtually unlimited power with no greenhouse gases or hazardous waste.
This system uses advanced magnetic plasma confinement and superconducting materials to stabilize reactions that were once deemed impossible. Scientists worldwide are calling it a potential “holy grail of clean energy”, as it combines the efficiency of fusion with the safety and simplicity of chemical power. If proven viable, it could outclass every existing form of renewable energy — from solar and wind to hydroelectric — by producing constant, stable energy around the clock.
The implications for global energy security are enormous. A working cold fusion system would eliminate fossil fuel dependency, end nuclear waste concerns, and provide affordable electricity to billions. For the first time, humanity may be standing at the edge of truly limitless power — a future where energy is clean, abundant, and universally accessible

[rick]

5 months to April 1st

[Doodoo]

"The proposed H2 Teesside blue-hydrogen facility on the former steelworks site in Teesside has been delayed.

Initially the UK Government’s decision on the project’s development‐consent order was due by 28th August. The deadline was extended to 30th October to allow further information to be requested. In October the deadline was again pushed back—to 4th December.

The delay stems from a land-use dispute - the plot of land at Teesworks required for H2 Teesside is also claimed by South Tees Group, which is backing a large-scale AI data-centre project on the same parcel.

The government reportedly is weighing whether to prioritise the hydrogen facility (which could supply more than 10% of the UK’s 1 GW hydrogen production target by 2030) or the data-centre development."

[tamada]

And while the UK Labour government plays Mr Indecisive over the nation's energy future,

"No new oil wells are to be drilled in the British North Sea this year for the first time since 1964 as Labour’s crackdown on profits and exploration hammers the sector.

A survey of offshore operators has found that zero exploratory wells – the vital first stage of discovering new resources – have been drilled so far in 2025, with no plans for the final two months of the year.

By contrast Norway, whose geology is similar and whose government takes a very positive approach to oil and gas, has seen 30 new exploration wells drilled so far in 2025, with up to nine more expected before year end. ..."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/20 ... crackdown/

[AlexO]

And while the UK Labour government plays Mr Indecisive over the nation's energy future,

"No new oil wells are to be drilled in the British North Sea this year for the first time since 1964 as Labour’s crackdown on profits and exploration hammers the sector.

A survey of offshore operators has found that zero exploratory wells – the vital first stage of discovering new resources – have been drilled so far in 2025, with no plans for the final two months of the year.

By contrast Norway, whose geology is similar and whose government takes a very positive approach to oil and gas, has seen 30 new exploration wells drilled so far in 2025, with up to nine more expected before year end. ..."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/20 ... crackdown/

All while an absolute failure of a politician extolls the benefits of weather dependent windmills that beggar the economy backed by his equally useless boss.

[Barney]

And while the UK Labour government plays Mr Indecisive over the nation's energy future,

"No new oil wells are to be drilled in the British North Sea this year for the first time since 1964 as Labour’s crackdown on profits and exploration hammers the sector.

A survey of offshore operators has found that zero exploratory wells – the vital first stage of discovering new resources – have been drilled so far in 2025, with no plans for the final two months of the year.

By contrast Norway, whose geology is similar and whose government takes a very positive approach to oil and gas, has seen 30 new exploration wells drilled so far in 2025, with up to nine more expected before year end. ..."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/20 ... crackdown/

All while an absolute failure of a politician extolls the benefits of weather dependent windmills that beggar the economy backed by his equally useless boss.

Which mirrors the exact same scenario in Australia with our left wing no idea govt.

[Barney]

Trump's executive orders are going to ensure he has the power capability for all the new projects in the USA.

New Partnership Targets $80B Of New Reactors
Power Engineering (11/3, Wolfe) “Westinghouse Electric Company, Cameco Corporation and Brookfield Asset Management last week announced that the United States federal government has entered into a strategic partnership meant to accelerate the deployment of nuclear power. The parties argue the partnership is in accordance with the President’s May 23, 2025 Executive Orders, which were meant to quadruple domestic production of nuclear power within the next 25 years. At the center of the new strategic partnership, at least $80 billion of new reactors are targeted to be constructed across the United States using Westinghouse nuclear reactor technology.”

[Doodoo]

Engineers in Germany have developed a suitcase-sized hydroelectric generator that can provide power for up to 12 homes using nothing more than a small, continuously flowing stream. No large dams, no environmental disruption, and no external grid connection — simply place it in the water and let nature do the work.
The compact unit contains a micro-turbine system and smart inverter that converts the kinetic energy of moving water into electricity. It’s designed to run maintenance-free for up to 5 years, delivering stable, renewable power to remote areas, cabins, or communities far from urban infrastructure.
With global demand for sustainable off-grid energy on the rise, this breakthrough could revolutionize disaster recovery, rural electrification, and eco-friendly living — turning rivers and streams into endless sources of clean power.
When nature flows, the lights stay on.
#RenewableEnergy #HydroelectricPower #EngineeringFacts #CleanEnergy #Sustainability

[Barney]

The poms are thinking about opening their wallet to proceed with nuclear.

https://theweek.com/environment/are-we- ... lear-power

[glalt]

The answer is to create renewable power. I'm all for solar, wind, tidal and other ingenious methods. Anything that reduces the dependency on fossil fuels is a worthwhile goal.

More efficient ways of capturing the sun's energy are showing great promise. Solar may be the best option at this point.

Batteries are the weak spot right now. Existing batteries are still too expensive and require rare earth elements. Too much effort is spent on making better EV batteries smaller and lighter. More effort is needed on home and industrial methods of storing energy.

[tamada]

The answer is to create renewable power. I'm all for solar, wind, tidal and other ingenious methods. Anything that reduces the dependency on fossil fuels is a worthwhile goal.

More efficient ways of capturing the sun's energy are showing great promise. Solar may be the best option at this point.

Totally agree but the time frames have been blown out of the water by various politicians of all persuasions pulling fantasy "ner-zero" dates out of their arses.

One we do have sustainable energy from renewables, the scientists can focus on how to make a flat screen television, an automobile, a computer, an aeroplane, a smart phone, a ship, a washing machine and a house, etc , out of sun, wind and waves.

[AlexO]

The answer is to create renewable power. I'm all for solar, wind, tidal and other ingenious methods. Anything that reduces the dependency on fossil fuels is a worthwhile goal.

More efficient ways of capturing the sun's energy are showing great promise. Solar may be the best option at this point.

Batteries are the weak spot right now. Existing batteries are still too expensive and require rare earth elements. Too much effort is spent on making better EV batteries smaller and lighter. More effort is needed on home and industrial methods of storing energy.

Absolutely wonderful dream but totally impractical to have an increasingly technology based world dependent on variable sources of energy.
Proven sources of power with almost instantaneous methods of reacting to increase/decrease of demand is there, hiding in plain sight. Nuclear energy especially as technical developments have alternatives to water cooling is the way to go.

[glalt]

Nuclear power is an easy efficient way to produce a lot of power, BUT, the NIMBY S fight it tooth and nail. Sabotage is a scary thing and violence is widespread in this day and age. Radiation is very dangerous and has killed a lot of people. Large areas around a nuclear power station could poison a large land area and it can last many years. Hopefully science can come up with better ways.

[Doodoo]

"Large areas around a nuclear power station could poison a large land area and it can last many years."

Dont quite understand what you are saying as a Nuclear Station does not allow anything to get out of the facility
As for areas around Nuclear Facilities Chernobyl has animals and humans living in the affected areas years after the release of radiation
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/id ... _Chernobyl

[rick]

Chernobyl has an exclusion zone of 1,000 square miles. Parts of it will not be 100% safe for human habitation for possibly 20,000 years. Radiation from the plant affected much of Europe, with farming (particularly livestock grazing) being restricted for years (25 years in parts of UK).

Yes wildlife has returned to the Exclusion zone as have around 200 people, but DNA tests show some evidence of radiation induced damage. People do rightfully fear nuclear power. Serious accidents may be rare, but do happen. Chernobyl, Fukushima, 3 mile island.....

[rick]

While we are at it, how safe is coal?
"A 2023 study estimated that pollution from U.S. coal-fired power plants was linked to approximately 460,000 excess deaths between 1999 and 2020. Worldwide, estimates suggest that air pollution from coal power plants and other sources can cause millions of premature deaths annually, though specific global numbers for coal alone are difficult to pin down. "

[Doodoo]

Current Status and Ecological Impact
Despite being one of the most contaminated areas on Earth, the exclusion zone has seen a remarkable resurgence of wildlife and plant life. The absence of human interference has led to the growth of dense forests and a thriving ecosystem, making it a sanctuary for various species. However, the zone remains legally off-limits for permanent habitation, although some former residents, known as "samosjoly," have returned to live in the area, often against official regulations.
Wikipedia
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