Global Energy Problems Research Articles

Solution to Global Energy and Ecology Problems at the Turn of the Twenty‐First Century

Solution to Global Energy and Ecology Problems at the Turn of the Twenty‐First Century

Thorium molten-salt nuclear energy synergetics.

In the next century, the “fission breeder” concept will not be practical to solve the global energy problems, including environmental and North-South problems. As a new measure, a simple rational Th molten salt breeding fuel cycle system, named “Thorium Molten-Salt Nuclear Energy Synergetics [THORIMS-NES]”, which composed of simple power stations and fissile producers, is proposed. This is effective to establish the essential improvement in issues of resources, safety, power-size flexibility, anti-nuclear proliferation and terrorism, radiowaste, economy, etc. securing the simple operation, maintenance, chemical processing, and rational breeding fuel cycle. As examples, 155 MWe fuel self-sustaining power station “FUJI-II”, 7 MWe pilot-plant “miniFUJI-II”, 1 GeV-300 mA proton Accelerator Molten-Salt Breeder “AMSB”, and their combined fuel cycle system are explained.

Fashioning a holistic solution to the energy problem

The world economy is in a historical transition away from the current fossil fuel-based energy system. Asian countries underwent this painful transition within a short time span. Although oil will remain a significant feature of Asia's energy landscape, OPEC may have lost its predominant role as Asia's energy supplier. OPEC may, however, assume a new role as the region's strongest trade partner in refined products. Non-oil alternatives will make quantum encroachments into traditional oil shares even as new non-OPEC parties conspire to reconfigure relations among oil-trading nations. Progress in coal technology, successful management of fuelwood plantations, and the strong nuclear commitments of northeast Asian countries are expected to redefine energy developments in Asia. In the long run, the global energy problem will depend on the solution to the enormous costs of a post-fossil oil era. The decade ahead will also be one of continuing change and uncertainty as regards energy supply, demand, and price. The global energy problem is so complex that no nation or block of nations acting alone can solve it. It is a problem that confronts humanity collectively. The search for solutions to the energy problem should recognize the value of equitable sharing of burdens and rewards on a global scale.

Ethics and Energy

AbstractMoral judgements are not easy to make in an age of technological complexity particularly if it is difficult to know all the facts accurately. However, it is possible to state the ethical considerations underlying the global energy problem and to point to possible solutions in the short, medium and long term. The nuclear option is considered in some detail and it is concluded that the procedures of deciding risks should be based on dialogue and mutual education.

Ethics and Energy

Moral judgements are not easy to make in an age of technological complexity particularly if it is difficult to know all the facts accurately. However, it is possible to state the ethical considerations underlying the global energy problem and to point to possible solutions in the short, medium and long term. The nuclear option is considered in some detail and it is concluded that the procedures of deciding risks should be based on dialogue and mutual education.