In this video, U-M researchers discuss the efforts of U-M's Energy Frontier Research Center to achieve advances in solar technology as a possible solution to the global energy crisis.
The center notes, "The world’s energy consumption, even with improved conservation measures, is projected to triple, reaching approximately 46 trillion watts (TW) by the end of this century, due largely to population growth and increased transportation, residential, commercial and industrial needs.
"Currently coal, natural gas, and crude oil, and to a much smaller degree nuclear electric power and renewable sources, account for United States energy consumption, which is nearly 25 % of the world’s current consumption of ~13 TW. It is noteworthy that renewable sources account for less than 1% of the total US consumption.
"However, renewable sources promise to provide the most economical, and environmentally friendly, solution to the energy consumption/supply dilemma. Approximately 1.2x105 TW of power are deposited on the surface of the earth by the sun, through a broad spectrum of wavelengths, from the IR to the UV, providing an ample source of energy."