The World in 2030

230 The World in 2030
and wind, hydro and geothermal energies, will be
convertible into ‘stored’ energy that can be applied in
concentrated forms whenever and wherever needed,
and with zero CO 2
emissions. This point needs to be
emphasized. A renewable energy future is made far
more difficult, if not impossible, without using hydrogen
as a means for energy storage. That’s because
when any form of energy is harnessed to produce
electricity, the electricity flows immediately. So if the
sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing, or the
water isn’t flowing, or fossil fuels are not available
to burn, electricity can’t be generated and economic
activity grinds to a halt. Hydrogen is one very attractive
way to store energy to ensure an ongoing and
continuous supply of power for society. 440
Other Renewable and Sustainable Sources of Energy
It is for the sake of brevity rather than their lack of importance
that I am lumping together other forms of renewable and
sustainable energy in this section of my report.
I will start with the prospects for hydro energy. If full
consideration is given to the populations which must often
be displaced for hydro schemes and consideration given to
the environmental impact of building dams, hydroelectric
power is a fairly green source of energy, but one which,
unfortunately (or fortunately), is almost fully exploited in
Europe.