Large‐scale concentration and conversion of solar energy

Abstract

According to a report by the Committee on Resources and Man [ National Academy of Sciences‐National Research Council , 1969], there is a growing concern in this country of an impending energy crisis in the decades ahead. High quality petroleum reserves within the boundaries of our country are of insufficient quantity to meet our energy requirements for the next 50 to 100 years. Large reserves of coal and oil shale exist, but these are of decreasing quality and involve serious problems concerning pollution. The problems of thermal pollution and radioactive waste disposal in the large‐scale use of nuclear reactors have not been satisfactorily resolved, and, unless the breeder reactor program is successful, only a short range solution has been assured [ Cambel , 1969, 1970]. The development of fusion would be a suitable solution, except for thermal pollution, but it is too early to see fusion as a solution for our energy needs now.