A global renewable mix with proven technologies and common materials

Abstract

A global alternative mix to fossil fuels is proposed, based on proven renewable energy technologies that do not use scarce materials. The mix consists of a combination of onshore and offshore wind turbines, concentrating solar power stations, hydroelectricity and wave power devices attached to the offshore turbines. Solar photovoltaic power could contribute to the mix if its dependence on scarce materials is solved. The order of magnitude of copper, aluminium, neodymium, lithium, nickel, zinc and platinum that may be required for the proposed solution is obtained and compared with available reserves. Overall, the proposed global alternative to fossil fuels seems technically feasible. However, lithium, nickel and platinum could become limiting materials for future vehicles fleet if no global recycling system were implemented and rechargeable zinc-air batteries could not be developed. 60% of the current copper reserves would have to be employed in the implementation of the solution. Altogether, they may become a long-term physical constraint, preventing the continuation of the usual exponential growth of energy consumption and leading to the steady 'spaceshift economy' that was anticipated by Kenneth Boulding