There is a tremendous amount of current research into genetically modified organisms, particularly algae, that produce usable liquid fuel from photosynthesis. Yes, we need breeder reactors, both U-238 to Pu-239, and Th-232 to U-233. I trust that people who talk about "thorium reactors" appreciate that they are breeders. But this is looking ever less likely in the US thanks to a combination of the antinuclear movement and the public school system. It will require some crisis to get us back on track. -- Gene
________________________________ From: meekerdb <meekerdb@verizon.net> To: math-fun <math-fun@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2013 7:34 PM Subject: Re: [math-fun] vactrain, ballistic transport
On 8/17/2013 3:24 PM, Mike Speciner wrote:
I predict that someone will figure out how to efficiently make synthetic fossil fuels using other forms of energy
But then we also need to generate energy in those other forms, e.g. liquid thorium reactors - but I don't see the will to invest in such things until fossil fuel "runs out" in the sense of becoming very expensive in EROI.
long before fossil fuels run out, but maybe not before global warming is out of control.
I didn't realize we still had fast cheap air transport.
We do. The TSA just won't let us get to it fast.
Brent
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