Distributed energy systems

In rural areas in developing countries there is today often a lack electricity. This could be solved in many ways and in the long run perhaps it is likely that there will be a mix of distributed and local energy systems. However, we are not there yet and electric grids are either severly lacking in coverage and quality or non-existent. Thus the other solution is to use small-scale distributed solutions, as many developing countries are in tropical areas the potential for photovoltaic solutions should be great.

Today photovoltaic cells suffer from two main problems, low efficiency and high costs. In the aforementioned context high costs is the main problem. Large research efforts are done in these areas and more cost efficient large-scale manufacturing of photovoltaic cells should be here soon. Bringing the generation of electricity closer to the end-user would bring large advantages from a technical point of view, but also when considering standard of living. Electricity in rural areas would bring better opportunities for schools and medical care. But also would help with another huge problems in these areas, clean water. The (cheap) electricity could be use for pumps and for cleaning water.


[Energy] [Photovoltaic] [Developing Countries] [Sustainability] [Water]Share on Facebook

Brain control?

According to a American scientist, Ray Kurzweil, who has recently been invited to the American Engineering Academy to discuss the technology of the future, we will have nano-robots in our brains soon. According to Kurzweil this will happen in around 20 years.

These small nano-robots will be transported through our capillaries and interact with our own neurons. The purpose would be to make us smarter and improve our memory, but also to repair damages. This sounds like a far off future scenario, but mostly just scary.

The first objection must be, who will control these robots? If they are powerful enough to influence our mind, then this should be the ultimate tool of (government) control. Whether or not these bots would be programmable is unknown, but one would argue that they are only a few molecules and would not hold any software, but rather act on chemical principles. WHich would also make the one doing or controlling the design powerful.

If this scenario comes, I expect major scepticism and resistance to arise. It is probable that it is a long way from happening. But as always with the future it is largely unclear.

[Future] [Technology] [Nano] [Brain] [Control]

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Science and Technology is the answer

Firstly, there is a need to acknowledge that there is a such a phenomenon as climate change caused by human activities. This is not arguing the fact that there are natural climate changes as well, and that such has occured throughout the history of our planet. However, what is happening today is not solely caused by natural factors.

Secondly, this is a problem that needs to be solved or at least to be slowed down. In order to solve this, the emission of greenhouse gases needs to be decreased. But there are some troubles with this on an international level. Rapidly growing economies, such as China and India, are also rapidly increasing their effects on the environment. Justifying it by pointing out the fact that, the Western world has has much higher emission rates for a long time.

Obviously this situation is not sustainable. The growth of these new economies cannot be halted, but there need to be a shift in focus. For example, today 16 out of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in China (according to the World Watch Institute).

This environmental challenge will not be solved by a stop in consumption or lower standards of living. It needs to be done in a way where our standard of living can be kept, but rather focusing on scientific and technological change. There are a lot of technology already available to battle this, but there need to be a willingness to invest in and commit to technology changes.
Furthermore, the industrialized countries with an ability to change need to take the lead in this process.

[Climate Change] [Environment] [Technology]