Switch, continued...

We continued, and finished watching Scott Tinker's documentary "Switch" on February 14th. Dr. Tinker wrapped up his world wide survey of cutting edge energy facilities and began to talk about the efficient application of energy and how we use it. A switch in our current energy paradigm is possible, says Tinker, but it will take a long time. Specifically, the introduction and common use of alternatives will require scaling-up, which will pose challenges because each source of energy supply has it's weaknesses. These challenges can be faced by integrating energy sources. The intermittency challenge from one major source of energy to another is too great. Nuclear and natural gas have the potential to be fundamental energies, but not until the combination of natural gas, nuclear and renewables do we see oil and gas being overcome as fundamental energies. There is also a tremendous goal we must set for ourselves in our own efficiencies. Simple action can be taken by paying close attention to our own energy use that will help us use less and emit less.