How much land does it take to power the world?
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
Electricity generation from different sources has varying space requirements and infrastructure needs, with fossil fuels, nuclear power, solar, and wind power each demanding different amounts of space to power a 10-watt light bulb. To power the entire world, fossil fuels would need 1,200 square kilometers, nuclear energy would require 4,000 square kilometers, solar power would need 95,000 square kilometers, and wind power would demand two million square kilometers, each having unique efficiency considerations.
Insights
- Different energy sources have varying space requirements for electricity generation, with fossil fuels needing the least area, followed by nuclear, solar, and wind power in increasing order.
- The space needed to power the world extensively varies across energy sources, with wind power requiring the largest area, showcasing the importance of understanding space requirements for efficient and sustainable energy production.
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Recent questions
How does electricity generation differ among energy sources?
The generation of electricity varies based on the energy source used. Coal and nuclear power rely on mines, reactors, and storage facilities, while renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels are utilized.
What space is needed to power a 10-watt light bulb with fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels require a credit card-sized area to power a 10-watt light bulb, showcasing the compact space needed for this energy source.
How much space is required for solar power to power a 10-watt light bulb?
Solar power demands 0.3 square meters of space to power a 10-watt light bulb, highlighting the larger area needed compared to fossil fuels.
What area is necessary to power the entire world with nuclear energy?
To power the entire world with nuclear energy, it would require 4,000 square kilometers, emphasizing the substantial space needed for this energy source on a global scale.
How does wind power compare in space requirements to other energy sources?
Wind power necessitates about 7 square meters to power a 10-watt light bulb and would demand two million square kilometers to power the entire world, showcasing the significant space requirements of wind energy compared to other sources.
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Summary
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Energy Sources and Space Requirements
- Electricity generation from different sources requires varying amounts of space and infrastructure. Coal and nuclear power need mines, reactors, and storage facilities, while renewable energy relies on wind turbines or solar panels.
- The space needed to power a 10-watt light bulb varies depending on the energy source. Fossil fuels require a credit card-sized area, nuclear power needs the size of palms, solar power demands 0.3 square meters, and wind power necessitates about 7 square meters.
- To power the entire world, fossil fuels would need 1,200 square kilometers, nuclear energy would require 4,000 square kilometers, solar power would need 95,000 square kilometers, and wind power would demand two million square kilometers. Each energy source has different space requirements and considerations for efficiency.
