Artificial leaf that harvests solar energy makes debut

The amount of water needed to solve the energy problem we have is ridiculous small. Watch the video bundlebear posted yesterday. It explains very nice how we can provide the energy needed in the future with less than an olympic sized pool. It also explains that there is no other energy carrier on earth, which has the energy density needed to produce enough energy for the future, not biomass, not nuclear, and also not wind. Hydrogen is the only carrier which can provides enough energy storage capacity. Also the water used to produce the electrical energy is simply converted between beeing H2 + O2 and being H2O. Losses should be minimal. Also the method allows to use waste water, undrinkable for humans. I think if this method makes it out of the development phase it could solve our energy problems.

According to the chemist who came up with it, the hydrogen in an olympic sized pool can store 42 TW of energy. At the end of the talk he gave an example: 0.75 small bottle of water equivalent to 150 W per day, which translates (if my calculation are correct) into 5 bottles per kWh. Also the water is not lost, after you released the energy you stored in the hydrogen which again combines H2 with O2, you have your water back. Even better you have purified water. So especially in regions in Africa, where often the water supply is contaminated, you use this water as energy storage and water purification system.

Do I believe that hydrogen could save our future? You bet ya. I think there is no other material on earth which has similar energy storage properties and it is all about the storage. The energy comes from the sun, the question is can I store enough, in a flexible enough way so that I can release it when I need it as quick as I need it.

Do I think we have tiny fuel-cells in our future? I don't know. However I like the self-sufficient scenarios he describes in his talk.

P.S. My calculation was wrong (it was a long day and I'm not thinking straight anymore) it's about 120 bottles per kWh or 1.25 cf (assuming he is talking about 10oz bottles), it's still pretty good. Also you don't lose this amount of water you just used to store and release energy. You either can repeat the process or use the water which is coming out after H2 and O2 are combined again.

"I do want to remind you and all the viewers that waste water does get recycled back into drinking water in cities and villages,..."

That is true, but what about doing the water purification and storing energy at the same time. You use the waste water, split the H2 from it, take the H2 release the energy when you need it and get in the process H2O.

Hydrogen to power buildings and homes would probably be a bit redundant - as that much wattage would probably require electricity to keep up the amount needed for a continuous power supply. However, a method is being pioneered in iceland using geothermal power to create hydrogen... which is then used to power cars. And the only waste the hydrogen powered cars produce? Pure water.

I remember watching some television show on The Learning Channel a few years ago where the show presented a fictional scenario not too far off in the future and used todays science and scientific estimations of what life would be like 20 to 30 years from now to create the plot, as well as occasionally explain how those things would work.

In that particular show, fossil fuels were finally running out to the point that nations and governments were in a panic, and there was almost an arms like race between China and the United States to develop the new and improved solar panel that would be over 80% efficient.

I wonder, would that scenario be as plausible if oil companies didn't buy out anything that appeared to be future competition with the idea of dismantling it?

We do need power but your right other problems need correcting also, the fact that we use corn to make fuel is wrong when there are people starving all over the world. It should be illegal to make fuel out of a food source when people are starving.

This power can also be used cleanly to generate drip irrigation systems that grow food and power to purify and provide running water and sanitation. That in turn will cut down on waterborne diseases and hunger thus allowing more children to be able to get an education and have opportunities that once were not even thought of. Of course, making sure this does not fall into the wrong hands is essential.

And that's exactly what this aims to do. And I am well aware of what is happening regarding solar energy in Africa, which was my point, but this technology can do even more. Access to these energy sources has always been the challenge.

I would think and hope it's size, transportability, ease of use and mulitple uses would put it in more demand and thus make it cheaper. There would hopefully also be more investment in it to make that happen. I am thinking of finding out how I can do just that or pitching it to those who can afford to do so. I'm not rich, but when something like this comes along we need to do what we can to get it out to the masses as quickly as possible. I remain positive we can, and maybe that would finally happen if we keep it in the public eye any way we can and help these brilliant people along.

What if it's not Jesus? What if it's Maitreya? What if you've been deceived? The bible speaks all the time of false teachings... and you know what I think... ? I think the FIRST thing the false teaching would tell us to do is just sit and wait for Jesus to return... because the bible is really trying to tell us to stop killing, to share and to love... and none of those things are accomplished while we sit here waiting for Jesus or WWIII to start.

Just because he's coming back, doesn't mean we should just say: "well, that reactor is melting down... let's just ignore it. Jesus will take care of it" Or maybe... "our leaders are corrupt and attacking Libya. The president is breaching the constitution! But don't worry... Jesus will take care of it."

You see what I'm saying? I think the false teaching are exactly what you're describing. The ones that sound an AWFUL lot like our government. Basically saying: "We're in the right. Just stay the course! We're gonna help you soon!"

Also... I'm sorry for your loss... and from our conversations here... I know you've been through a TON... I certainly don't wish any suffering on anyone... and I hope that your beliefs are not unfounded... but I still maintain my stance. I will fight for the planet until I die doing so.

Why does it seem you always have to be so contrary to my comments lately as if trying to prove me wrong or stupid about a topic? I know about the site because I posted the link here. I support this and think it can be expanded on and can be useful in the developing world and elsewhere. I honestly with all due respect don't need a lecture about it. It's a hell of a lot more sustainable than taking land to drill it thus polluting and toxifying their water, or building a mega hydropower dam on their land that displaces them and diverts their water. Much water stress in regions is caused by such corporate intrusion on the land, many times with the poor not reaping any benefits from the electricity generated because the dams are built on their land to provide energy for the rich somewhere else or because their water is polluted beyond use through oil drilling. That is my point and it does not negate nor mean they could never use solar panels or other renewable energy sources that may in the longrun suit them better. I simply support anything new that can at least have a chance of getting us off the crap we are forced to use now because innovations like this are constantly put down. And of course as with any source there will be questions that need to be answered and challenges to overcome. I am simply stating it is an amazing concept to me and I would like to see it put where it is needed and am interested in seeing if it is viable.

"I can say I am surprised that you would support a product that would turn water into hydrogen production since so many times I've read comments from you that water is so valuable, and the future is about water. On that I agree with you."

I support tidal wave energy as well, however, not so keen on "concentrated" solar as it too uses water in larger amounts. I support concepts like this that are smaller in size and can use water that is not POTABLE (if there is no other way to create electricity) providing that it does not take away from the needs of others. I would not support it otherwise so perhaps you misunderstand what this is about ?

Who said I was uncertain?

I spend my life pursuing answers and knowledge. In fact... I decided long ago that knowledge is the path to immortality (in a vague sense :) and it has led me in the opposite direction as you. That's doesn't actually mean that one or EITHER of us is wrong. The difference between us is I haven't STOPPED looking for answers.

Agreed!

Good point!
The oil/coal fuckers have payed billions to buy patents from green innovators just to shelve them indefinately.
Nikola Tesla invented 100% clean, free electricity from lightning a century ago and where are we today. Tesla was squashed, defunded and died penniless feeding pigeons in Central Park. The US and Soviets confiscated his work to use as a weapon and weather modification.
HAARP.
Fuck the fuckin' fuckers!!!

i share your frustration

Thanks for posting the video. As I say, hydrogen has the potential to solve our energy problems.

He is so right. We are reaching a chokepoint regarding water because we waste so much of it making energy. Solve the energy problem and you solve the water crisis. Good video, thanks for posting this.

Frustratingly, the water crisis, much like providing food, is more complex than just having "enough" clean water. Often time, water, like food, is used as a political tool. For example, the amount of food going into Sudan as aid is just a little more than the amount of food being exported as cash crops.

Similarly, there are places where water is in high demand, and the government in power will use access to it as a tool of control.

Well maybe "solve" wasn't exactly the right word. However, while you are correct that water is used as a political tool, countries are seeing the corrolation between energy and water usage and waste, and working to streamline this usage by using more renewable sources which would save water. Of course in order to really solve the water crisis we will have to have poltiical will as well as other initiatives to conserve water. But the energy we use is also key in that.

Wow this is a inspiring talk!
I love his attitude.
Also liked the part about how we can use human waste water to power our world and produce clean water to boot.
He reminds me of George Carlin in a way, dividing the world between people with stuff and people without stuff.
How true!
Thanx for sharing this BB.

Ditto!!

If this artificial leaf can be used to create solar panels on the roofs and hoods of electric cars, constantly recharging the batteries with no need for any liquid fuel of any kind other than water, it is definitely beter than cars that require liquid hydrogen.

Liquid hydrogen still requires pumping stations and fuel supply companies, just like gasoline, so it still puts us under corporate control just like gasoline.

I would rather fuel my car with that which falls from the sky freely and can be collected in barrels.

And not only in the developing world. Hydrogen has the potential to solve all our energy problems. However, I don't see the political will to push for this technology. Where is the investment in fuel-cell research? Where is the push to develop infrastructure needed to use hydrogen as energy carrier?

where is the will to do Anything constructive except putting noses in female crotches?

Oh of course, not just in the developing world. This has great potential globally. I mention the developing world because for many countries this is such an amazing yet simple way to move into the 21st century without people needing to be displaced or have pristine environments destroyed (as in nuclear plants, oil drilling, hydropower dams, etc.) as we are seeing now in these parts of the world. This is such a wondnerful way for people to have electricity that can also afford them opportunities we take for granted. And I wish I were rich enough to invest in this. I sure would.