This from Winged Cat struck me as more than a little strange:
"Government funding" not being a realistic path, given their demonstrated history with regard to projects that might actually give cheap power to the masses.
The are vast regions in the US that have benefited enormously from governmental investment in electric power.
Even by Depression standards, the Tennessee Valley was economically dismal in 1933. Thirty percent of the population was affected by malaria, and the average income was only $639 per year, with some families surviving on as little as $100 per year. Much of the land had been farmed too hard for too long, eroding and depleting the soil. Crop yields had fallen along with farm incomes. The best timber had been cut, with another 10% of forests being burnt each year.
TVA was designed to modernize the region, using experts and electricity to combat human and economic problems. TVA developed fertilizers, taught farmers ways to improve crop yields and helped replant forests, control forest fires, and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. The most dramatic change in Valley life came from TVA-generated electricity. Electric lights and modern home appliances made life easier and farms more productive. Electricity also drew industries into the region, providing desperately needed jobs.
TVA. (Score:3)
"Government funding" not being a realistic path, given their demonstrated history with regard to projects that might actually give cheap power to the masses.
The are vast regions in the US that have benefited enormously from governmental investment in electric power.
Even by Depression standards, the Tennessee Valley was economically dismal in 1933. Thirty percent of the population was affected by malaria, and the average income was only $639 per year, with some families surviving on as little as $100 per year. Much of the land had been farmed too hard for too long, eroding and depleting the soil. Crop yields had fallen along with farm incomes. The best timber had been cut, with another 10% of forests being burnt each year.
TVA was designed to modernize the region, using experts and electricity to combat human and economic problems. TVA developed fertilizers, taught farmers ways to improve crop yields and helped replant forests, control forest fires, and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. The most dramatic change in Valley life came from TVA-generated electricity. Electric lights and modern home appliances made life easier and farms more productive. Electricity also drew industries into the region, providing desperately needed jobs.
Tennessee Valley Authority [wikipedia.org]
Re: (Score:1)
I don't think the US is likely to lead the power satellite project. To much cheap shale gas.
But if it was to be done, something like TVA would be the a good organizational model.
Re: (Score:0)
Keith, no one anywhere, ever, is going to lead a power satellite project. Not Solaren, not no one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solaren
You find any information on them? 2016 is a few months away, is there a single fucking bolt in orbit? No, nothing, nada.
http://physics.ucsd.edu/do-the-math/2012/03/space-based-solar-power/
Never. N - E - V - E - R. You claim to be an engineer, yet you espouse the most asinine, ridiculous, juvenile sci-fi fantasies.
Re:TVA. (Score:2)
Never Say Never Again.