THE SUN AS SOURCE OF ENERGY

As the supplies of fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – are running out, scientists have been working hard trying to find ways of obtaining other kinds of fuel. They have succeeded in finding one that is very efficient : nuclear fuel. However, the ores which produce this kind of energy, e.g. uranium ores, will eventually run out, too. Fortunately a source of abundant energy, which is virtually inexhaustible – sunlight – has been waiting for the scientists.
The sun sends out energy equal to that produced by 10,000 million tons of coal every second, of which the earth receives only one two-billionth part. It is estimated that the energy which falls on one square metre of the earth’s surface per second can be used to keep about seven 100 – watt lamps burning. The sun’s energy is really abundant, but only a limited amount has so fart been used by man.
The sun can also be used as a source of fuel for power plants. Such power plants are still in the experimental stages. However, it is hoped that they will lead the way to a wider use of solar energy to run machines.
Solar energy can be used in telephone communications, space technology, and farming. Solar batteries have been in experimental use for a number of years to power telephone lines. They are now being used to recharge batteries which power instruments used in space vehicles. Scientists have also succeeded in developing solar pumps that can raise water for irrigation.
The sun seems to be an ideal source of energy for a great many uses. Yet to change the abundant sunlight into energy is a different matter. The instruments needed to catch the sun’s energy are still very expensive. However, once man succeeds in catching even a small part of that energy, nobody would worry about running out of fossil fuels or uranium ores.
It lies in the hands of the scientists to make this dream come true.