Title: On the transition to global renewable energy by mid-century

Authors: Max F. Platzer

Addresses: AeroHydro Research and Technology Associates, 3070 Hermitage Road, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, USA

Abstract: In this paper the argument is advanced that an effort must be made to maximise the exploitation of the global solar and wind energy resources by maximising the capacity factor and by tapping into new wind resources. To this end, two concepts are proposed for increased attention. The 'energy tree' is a hybrid wind/solar power generation system which enables a substantial increase of the capacity factor without impacting the land use. The 'energy ship', on the other hand, opens up the vast wind resources available over the oceans for the conversion of the wind over water into storable energy in the form of hydrogen. The provision of renewably generated electricity and hydrogen are a precondition for the development and operation of emission-free aircraft. Furthermore, the energy ship concept enables the simultaneous extraction of carbon dioxide from the sea water so that synthetic jet fuel can be produced.

Keywords: renewable energy; solar energy; wind energy; sustainable aviation; energy tree.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2021.119694

International Journal of Sustainable Aviation, 2021 Vol.7 No.4, pp.285 - 292

Received: 25 Jul 2021
Accepted: 08 Aug 2021
Published online: 14 Dec 2021 *

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