Our new energy

"Oh, it is our there. Maybe even in here. Abundant, clean, efficient energy. We just need to figure out how to harness it..." 

One of my Facebook friends recently posted something very interesting. It was about a new (or maybe not that new) technology using "transparent" glass to capture enough solar energy to activate some solar sensors thereby producing a small amount of energy. I found the article very interesting, but not in the least surprising. We are at that point where this is possible.

And why do I say that? A friend of mine, who has a very strong technology background, has recently told me something very profound. To think about our energy future, we need to not think about next year, not about the next decade, but rather next century and beyond. I know this will sound goofy, but our future in energy lies somewhere over the horizon.

For many years now, scientists have thought gravity was the strongest force in the universe. And it is indeed strong. Even though we have never seen one, we have enough evidence that "black holes" exist. "Black holes" one might say? The gravity a "black hole" is so extreme, it will let nothing escape. Not even light. And not just light, but also other planets or stars which might venture too close. So the name of the game is how to harness this great and abundant source of energy (safely).

However, now scientists are saying there might be something even more abundant in our universe. Come on! More abundant that gravity itself? Yes. Even though it is theoretical at this juncture, this source is called "black energy". And what is black energy? It is somewhat like "black matter". It is the stuff we cannot see. But what we thinks "binds" everything together.

Truthfully, there are many who say this is all hogwash. And, there are others who say it is the missing link in how we hold things together. If it is truly the "missing link", there is energy everywhere. Abundant and free. Enough to last until just about forever. 

Why do I bring all this up? We continue to scratch in the dirt for new renewable sources of energy. Years ago when I dealt with General Atomics out of San Diego, they had their heads in the clouds looking for new sources of energy. Were they looking at solar or wind? Nope. They were far beyond that. Let me just say this - I saw things there that make my eyes go wide.

Today the world is wide open for the bold science which will lead to a breakthrough. I mean a breakthrough which will lead to zero externalities of production. The breakthrough which everyone on this planet can benefit from and afford. It is out there. Waiting. Waiting for which sharp and innovative mind can figure it out. And when that happens, we can write about something else. Because our history will have already have been made.