Energy Sources of the near future

[KeltPhys]

I see all these discussions about nuclear, some (few) about solar, etc. but nobody seems to be touching the "hot" issue of the day.

With the abundance of natural gas (because of fracking), all other energy options all of a sudden seem more expensive and less competitive. It looks like coal will be totally phased out in the near future, oil is being slowly phased out (see electric cars), so what will the energy landscape look like in let's say 10, 20 30 years? Will it just be natural gas, because of fracking supplemented by some solar energy and that's it?

I mean they are the safest forms of energy out there for people, and the environment in general, so it would probably make sense, but what do others think here, is that what will happen?

[PLeonat]

KeltPhys, welcome to our debate group

You are right, Natural Gas and fracking is a hot issue, but not just because of the economics. You say natural gas is the "safest" form of energy and I've seen that quoted in many references. It may be safe, but the natural gas cycle, in particular including fracking, is not such a clear winner. I think the jury is still out on that, with multiple class action suits pending right now from "thousands" of people that have been harmed by fracking.

In addition to that, natural gas reserves in the world are estimated to be about a ~90 supply, which sounds long, but it really isn't.

Hmm, what will be the energy sources of the next 10, 20, 30 years... I guess, oil, coal, gas, nuclear, solar, hydro, bio,... and may be some new ones that pop up in the meantime.

So, you think that conventional energy sources will be phased out because of electric cars? So, where do you think the energy to charge those car batteries will come from?

[KeltPhys]

In the not too distant feature, solar/electric cars will be the norm.

I'd like to know more about the bad things about cracking. Any references? Or is it just a feeling? Also where did you see the 90 year reserves thing?

[HowardE]

KeltPhys, here are a bunch of references about how bad fracking might be. I used to be a supporter, until I started reading up on it and realized that we are only given part of the picture. It's pretty bad

[charles.carlson]

Howarde, I'm finding out that at least you are an equal opportunity "opposer" of all energy sources