Energy independence for the US (or any other country)

[mheslep]

Really, we'll run out of uranium to use for nuclear energy? That's weird, I thought there was so much uranium around to use (especially from the oceans) that it would provide us with enough power for an EXTREMELY long time.

In combination with Thorium, yes there is enough for centuries.

 

[mheslep]

Interesting project and interesting array of guest speakers.

FYI - http://energyontrial.org/

http://energyontrial.org/Speakers

Ultimately, finite sources will deplete, so I expect that one day, solar and wind, and maybe hydro, will dominate the energy portfolio, and perhaps geothermal will provide some small fraction.

Just tidbits there. Is there a forthcoming study or longer video from these folks, or perhaps I missed it.

 

[zomgwtf]

In combination with Thorium, yes there is enough for centuries.

Weird, I remember seeing numbers somewheres which suggested that it would be more along the lines of millenia if we increase our power consumption by a large factor, or at the current rate for just over 1 million years. That's just from the uranium that's in the oceans.

 

[Astronuc]

Just tidbits there. Is there a forthcoming study or longer video from these folks, or perhaps I missed it.

I found the link to energyontrial from an INL source. There is apparently a documentary in the works.

While there is substantial amounts of uranium and thorium, it is nevertheless finite. Certainly, it will last for centuries, but then what after that. What will be the energy source future generations?

The other side of the coin is demand, which can be reduced through greater efficiency and/or reduced consumption.

 

[mheslep]

Weird, I remember seeing numbers somewheres which suggested that it would be more along the lines of millenia if we increase our power consumption by a large factor, or at the current rate for just over 1 million years. That's just from the uranium that's in the oceans.

Well who knows what the demand of 9 billion people will be that far out. Generally though, the estimate rests on fuel type assumptions and goes very roughly as follows:

o If the assumption is nuclear power continues as currently and is based only on fissionable U235 enriched fuel ( ie a small fraction of all Uranium) from only land based ores then the answer is a century or so, maybe even just decades.
o Add a few more decades with reprocessing of waste.
o Use the U235 in _all_ the oceans (a big if), then there is enough for multiple centuries.
o Use the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertile_material" fuels including Th and U238, then multiply the above by 50-100X.

 

[mheslep]

While there is substantial amounts of uranium and thorium, it is nevertheless finite. Certainly, it will last for centuries, but then what after that. What will be the energy source future generations?

Well if the species can't get a handle on fusion in say five centuries from now then we all deserve to go the Soylent Green route and let the Chimps have a try.