Guest Thinkers — September 28, 2010

Toward Geothermal R & D

“So-called geothermal power has been around for more than a century. What will it take to heat up this energy source?” Scientific American on the promising power source.

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“Geothermal power has a lot of advantages: no CO2 emissions, renewable if used correctly and constantly available. Unlike other renewables, such as the wind or sun, the Earth’s heat never stops. Scientists estimate that geothermal alone could supply 2,000 times the amount of energy used by the U.S. annually. That’s why the U.S. Department of Energy is investing at least $35 million in a bid to expand its use. As is Google. And countries from Indonesia to Guatemala are also looking to expand its use. Australian companies have even begun drilling wells for new, entirely man-made geothermal power plants.”

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Life

Moving trees north to save the forests

As the world warms, trees in forests such as those in Minnesota will no longer be adapted to their local climates. That’s where assisted migration comes in.

The Present

How wind turbines could coexist peacefully with bats and birds

As wind power grows around the world, so does the threat the turbines pose to wildlife. From simple fixes to high-tech solutions, new approaches can help.

An image of a glowing ring in a dark room.

The Future

Fusion power: Are we getting any closer?

Scientists have been chasing the dream of harnessing the reactions that power the Sun since the dawn of the atomic era. Interest, and investment, in the carbon-free energy source is heating up.

A picture of a metal flame in a metal frame.

The Future

Could we burn iron for energy instead of fossil fuels?

Experiments on suborbital rockets are revealing how to make a better iron furnace.

Starts With A Bang

The nuclear fusion era has arrived, if we choose it

The National Ignition Facility just repeated, and improved upon, their earlier demonstration of nuclear fusion. Now, the true race begins.

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

Islam Versus Free Speech

“A federal law is needed to cover threats against free-speech rights. Across media and geographies, Islamic extremists are increasingly using intimidation to stifle free expression.”