/sci/ - Science & Math

>>15013669
>this is obviously a solution for once we find perfect source of energy to power whole globe for free, funded by taxpayers

>create a ring of solar panels directly on the equator.
>encircle the entire earth, so no mater what time of day, some of these panels are always in the sun
>transmit energy continuously around the globe, 24/7
>no need for batteries, EVER again for anything
>electric cars don't need batteries
>no more car pollution

>>10915897
Yes but its harder and way costlier to put and maintain solar panels on a surface than it is to grow some supergrass/bamboo.

The worlds primary energy consumption is about 160000 TWh per year.
576 billion GJ
So you'd need 720 million ha or 7.2 million square km of prime arable land in mild conditions to provide the world's energy in the form of Miscantus giganteum crop.
That's about half of current day's arable land.
Using 10% of all farmland could yield 20% of global energy consumption.
Also crop yields are likely to increase with rising CO2 concentrations.
And perhaps something better will come along.