🚀 go-pugleaf

Stan Pierce wrote in <HsYed.37922$5O5.28790@news-server.bigpond.net.au>:
> Ned Latham wrote:
> >
> > Compare that with a solar furnace, which can be built anywhere the
> > sun shines, can be as large as desired, and can supply both power
> > and distilled water.
>
> If only we could get stuck into a project like this. All other methods
> could be tried as well.

Yep, though personally, I think they're a waste of time and money.
They've all been researched, and they all have operational problems,
especially for large-scale operations. Solar furnace technology's
been researched wrt power generation and shows *no* operational
problems there. It hasn't been researched wrt large-scale water
distillation, but the info we have is enough to say that if we can
build self-cleaning boilers, a combined plant will run smoothly and
well and be low-maintenance.

>                         It's not a case of one or the other.

Strictly speaking, no. But that includes fossil fuel technologies too.
Solar furnace technology isn't corroded by its power source, as tidal
and wave technologies are; doesn't pollute the environment, as fossil
fuel technologies do; isn't a danger to small aircraft, as wind farms
are; and unlike solar panels, is robust and doesn't require high-tech
materials.

>                                                              The training
> of young engineers alone would be worth the effort. The whole country
> could be greened in a generation or two.

Not the whole country. That would take centuries. But a generation or
two could see green Australia hugely increased in area.

>                                          New technologies would come
> about in the process and would be sellable.

The plant design itself would be a massive export and/or good will
asset. The deserts of all the world could be greened.

>                                             New types of business could
> start up and provide taxable income.

High-temperature technologies. Hydrogen power. A space port. Mining the
sea for rare earths and precious metals...

All without any detrimental effects on the environment whatever. Not
even heat pollution.

> Providing usable acreage land with abundant water would entice people
> to shift from the cities. So many possible end results. Just needs
> vision.

Vision, and the courage to spend the money. The benefits, unfortunately,
would take longer than one term of political office to come on line.

Ned
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