Bill Gates @ TED: We Need An Energy Miracle
I love Twitter. As Bill Gates started his talk at TED, the exclusive tech conference, Twitter (#TED) exploded with amazing quotes and tidbits from a talk Bill Gates just gave on climate change and energy innovation. “Wanted: Energy Miracles,” read the screen that Gates presented on the screen at one point behind him (via twitterpics), as he said the world needs thousands of companies delivering innovation on clean power including solar thermal, solar PV, batteries and nuclear.
Unlike with information technology, there is a deadline for the innovation in clean power, and “We must innovate our way to zero CO2 emissions,” said Gates, (via @CNN). Greentech entrepreneur Bill Gross, who tweeted from TED, and whom Gates gave a shoutout to during his speech, said: “Bill Gates believes we have 20 years to invent and 20 years to deploy – that’s sort of the deadline we have to solve this crisis.” “If I only had 1 wish for the next 50 years, it’d be to invent the thing that halves the cost of CO2,” said Gates (via @CNN).
Gates addressed a few technologies specifically. He said we need more battery innovation: “All the batteries we make now store less than 10 min of all the energy (in world) ..we need a big breakthrough,” (via @CNN). He also gave a nod to nuclear power, and mentioned TerraPower, a nuclear reactor design that can use depleted uranium. He also said he is working on a nuclear company with Nathan Myhrvold.
While Gates speech was a very high-level overview of the climate change problem and energy innovation, clearly the members of the audience who were tweeting his quotes were inspired. “I’d rather see cheaper, clean energy developed than pick the next presidents or come up with a miracle vaccine,” said Gates at one point (via @CNN). “Bill Gates is the next Al Gore?” tweeted one audience member. At the end of the talk Gates received a standing ovation.
It makes no difference to us how Gates manages his inventions, but what has nuclear power ever had to do with the electronics industry? The idea is to put each line of exploration into it’s own category. Let them fend for themselves for funding after promoting the fittest researchers at the helm. The proof is in the water samples…
We already have alternative energies that work. They can never replace fossil fuels, of course, but we can’t afford to produce that much energy anyway because of both resource limits, and environmental damage. If we reduce consumption and engage in serious conservation projects, then alternative energy can provide enough to meet our needs.
http://www.selfdestructivebastards.com/2010/01/alternative-energy.html
I agree, we already have alternative technologies that work. Of course we have to keep innovating to lower costs and come up with even better alternatives. The miracle that Gates should be wishing for is the political will to do what can be done with what we already have.
I also have to say that Gates, once again, is late to the game. He was late to embrace the Internet, now he’s late to start pushing cleantech. The man is a follower, not a leader, albeit one with tens of billions of dollars.
Tyler, one thing Gates can do if he really wants to help is spend a few billion dollars lobbying for emissions reduction. And that means a reduction today not off in the future somewhere after we discover some magic technology.
40 years to no CO2 emissions may be possible in the U.S. but what about developing countries? Or were they referring specifically to the U.S. or the world?
@Tyler, yeah Gates is late to the game, but he’ll be a game changer none the less.
Hi guys not to worry, in future we will have new Energy that does not harm the environment,its clean and cheap energy,is just a matter of time,please give us 10-12 months, we will give you the product.This product will save our planet.
Mr Bill Gates and those who need more info on our new energy technology, u guys can write to me at :akivisions@yahoo.com.sg.
where can i check about the projects of Terra Power Company. What is the website of Terra Power
Mr.Bill Gates,are you listening?
My name is Todd Staffen and I believe I may have a design concept for zero emissions energy which would qualify as an energy miracle.I would welcome the oportunity to work with someone who could assist in testing the viability and potential development of this technology.
Sincerely,Todd Staffen.
asnwering to Mr.Gates: I have more than a miracle I have an Engine to realice your dreams.
Ask Mr. gates, if he wish to get ademostration of the accuracy of my Idea.
Try to get the files of the story of my miracle maybe is it true.
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