Review of natural energy sources and global power needs

Abstract: Available energy resources, global power anxieties and natural energy reserves under, on and above earth''s surface are critically reviewed in this paper. Worldwide utility deregulation practices, privatization policies, impending globalization and political unrest in Middle East have led the think tanks to rationalize future energy outreach. Only 32% of world population consumes 59% of global electric power. The average energy consumption facility for this 32% population of the modern global village amounts to 6795kWh/yr/person whilst it is only 1313kWh/yr/person for others. A so-called perceived fear has led the 68% of world population to a blind race against the time to explore and harness new means of alternative energy sources, the nuclear energy. This paper attempts to plead for the use of other more economic and less hazardous options than to only focus on the nuclear energy. Energy estimation has led to the conclusion that out of many natural energy sources such as solar, fossils and uranium, etc., only 0.095% (17TW) accessible 89PW solar power (total 174PW directed by sun and 120PW in atmosphere) at a PV conversion efficiency of 20% is enough for the whole of the global village. In addition to ongoing continued solar power that may be used, an estimated 20Zettawatt fossils and uranium power reserves continue to exist for future millennia. Realistic analysis shows that so-called global energy crisis is not any immediate threat to human survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]