The Sun – a fundamental source of energy

The Sun is not an alternative energy source. It is the primary and fundamental resource from which the energy of the fossil fuels, wind, water and biomass is derived. Only geothermal and nuclear energy do not stem from the Sun’s shining upon the Earth.

Throughout centuries the human civilization has been developing relying on the direct utilization of the Sun’s heat and light. After discovering the potential of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) an intensive industrial and technological progress took place. This progress was due to the fact that the fossil fuels are somewhat “concentrates” of cheap energy. Their formation on Earth took over 600 million years and a vast amount of plant and animal material which has gathered the energy of the Sun. It has been rotting and piling up in layers in the Earth’s crust. This solar energy, gathered in the course of millions of years, is concentrated in the fossil fuels and is the reason for their staggering energy potential.

However, everything has its price. The reason for the energy capacity of fossil fuels is the fact that this energy, gradually accumulated in them for so long, is released instantaneously in the chemical reactions in which these fuels are used. After the reaction the fuel is useless, even harmful, because it pollutes the environment. Except energy, fossil fuels produce tons of dust, cinder, toxic compounds and greenhouse gases. The technogenic greenhouse gases are the main reason for global warming which is a serious threat for humankind. Another drawback of fossil fuels is that their reserves are limited. They cannot be reused and one day will deplete.

Modern societies have to be determined to utilize the technological development, made possible by the use of fossil fuels, so that sustainable ways of energy production are introduced. These ways should guarantee the long-term energy security and be environment-friendly. Otherwise, human civilization will be threatened.


Abundance of the solar energy

The Earth bathes in solar energy. The quantity of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface is tremendous – for one year the Sun delivers twice as much energy as the amount that can be produced from all non-renewable sources until their depletion.

This energy is free, secure (the Sun will not change its state for at least 5 billion years) and cannot be monopolized. About 61% of the global oil reserves and 41% of the natural gas reserves are found in politically unstable regions. The Sun’s energy is most abundant close to the Equator. However, successful projects for solar thermal and solar photovoltaic installations in Denmark, Germany and Sweden have proven that, with energy efficiency measures, even using the technology available today, solar energy is a sufficient resource in every point of the world.