Energy transition from molecules to atoms and photons

Abstract

Historic energy transition from fire to wire was driven by light, heat, and electricity. Fossil fuels phase and form transitions from solid (coal) to liquid (oil) occurred in centuries, liquid (oil) to natural gas in several decades and natural gas to shale in a few decades. Energy transition from molecular fossil fuels to atomic energy was driven by nuclear fission, atomic energy to photons by laser fusion, solar cells and artificial photosynthesis. Grand energy transition from wood to the wire was primarily interest and economy driven, unaware of the environmental consequences. Oil depletion, sustainability, climate change and environmental issues force the scientists to inspire the stakeholders for mandatory energy transition from molecular fossil fuels and atomic reactors to renewable energy sources. Oil depletion geared up renewable energy transition, the discovery of shale gases accomplished the solid to gas phase transition partly slowing down fast renewable energy transition policies. Evolution of extreme weather phenomenon in the form of heat waves, hurricanes, smog, famines and floods again forced the stakeholders to resume the renewable energy transition policies. Innovative technologies, smart grid, energy efficiency and conservation ideas have played their role well. Advances in solar, wind and wave energy technologies have rendered renewable, and alternative energy sources cost competitive with fossil fuels. When renewable energy becomes cheaper than coal and oil, the climate change deniers can have no excuse resist the renewable energy transition. Lexus nexus is nuclear fusion and artificial photosynthesis. This paper reviews past, present and possible nature inspired future energy transitions.