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Ranking renewable energy options

Energy & Sustainability
Ranking renewable energy options

The โ€œfirst quantitative, scientific evaluation of the proposed, major, energy-related solutionsโ€ came out this month. Via Worldchanging:

Here is how Jacobson ranks the renewables, from best to worst:

1. Wind power
2. concentrated solar power (CSP)
3. geothermal power
4. tidal power
5. solar photovoltaics (PV)
6. wave power
7. hydroelectric power
8. a tie between nuclear power and coal with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)

399px-Savonius_wind_turbine.jpg

How would this ranking change for DIY-ability? In other words, if you assume no link to any electric grid, which power sources look best and in what order?
For argumentโ€™s sake, assume youโ€™re in a magical location on the coast with consistently strong winds and lots of sunlight:)

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Luke Iseman

Luke Iseman makes stuff, some of which works. He invites you to drive a bike for a living (dirtnailpedicab.com), stop killing your garden (growerbot.com), and live in an off-grid shipping container (boxouse.com).

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