Solar Energy Systems for Industrialization Yes, there are such things as inexhaustible energy systems with the operative word being systems. The key is the sun and the secret of success is picking the path that originates with the sun that can meet the needs of an over populated planet with a civilization that is dependent upon "relatively cheap energy" to maintain its lifestyle. The industrial revolution was fueled by abundant energy from coal. America's movement to the forefront of the industrialized nations was in part fueled by oil. Both coal and oil at various times have seemed inexhaustible and the savior of civilization. Given the above technologies and building blocks we can, if we have the will, construct Solar Energy Systems for Industrialization which will also provide inexhaustible energy systems from the resources of "Greater Earth" for the benefit of mankind. The question we face is, how can we provide paths of development and industrialization for developing and third world countries that use energy from space? Approaches to Commercialization The approaches to commercialization can be grouped into three categories. They are: • Government or Govemment-to-Govemment Programs (Apollo, IntelSat, Space station Freedom/Alpha) • Evolution or Terracing • Free Enterprise or Just Do It! Any of the three can be related to the UNCED recommendations cited at the beginning of this paper. Government Programs The space project approach seems to be most fitting when a lot of new technology is needed (Star Wars), when national prestige is at stake (Apollo), or when there is as yet no established market but both a need and national interest coincide (IntelSat). Lacking these incentives or drivers it appears that government or government to government programs will flounder in the sea of bureaucracy as is the case with the US Space Station program. However, for energy from space we assert that the technology is available and certainly energy is not a new commodity. Furthermore, the US public's experience with nuclear power as a government program has made them wary of such an approach. In addition there is the matter of relying upon government financing and while the amounts needed to develop energy fields in the sky are similar to oil company exploration budgets it is unlikely that in today's economic climate that similar sums will
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==