Sustainability and Future

Five energy plans for Britain's sustainable future. From nuclear-heavy to renewable-heavy, each must add up to 48 kWh/d/p.

Wind and solar fluctuate wildly. Exploring grid stability through storage (pumped hydro, batteries, hydrogen) and demand management.

Nuclear fission offers high power density (1000 W/m²). Examining fusion potential and 'clean coal' limitations for sustainable energy.

Britain's renewables max out at 18 kWh/d/p. This post calculates solar potential from rooftops to deserts to bridge the 48 kWh/d/p gap.

Britain needs 48 kWh/d per person from renewables. This post calculates the physical limits of wind, solar, and other local renewable resources.

Heating consumes 40-45 kWh/d per person in Britain. This post calculates how insulation and efficient electric heating can revolutionize building energy use.

Transport consumes 40 kWh/d per person for car drivers. This post calculates how electric vehicles and efficiency improvements can revolutionize surface transportation.

The first step in tackling fossil fuel replacement is quantifying our energy consumption. This post breaks down the 'red stack' of energy use in affluent societies.

A numbers-based exploration of sustainable energy challenges—quantifying consumption, solutions, and viable paths to deep emissions reductions.

Energy debates are dominated by emotion and rhetoric. This series cuts through with basic arithmetic, quantifying the true scale of our energy challenge and viable sustainable solutions.