Illuminating

Living within ambling distance of a university (in my case, UNSW) makes public lectures such as Professor Helmut Tributsch's "Solar Energy: Everlasting, Environmentally Friendly Energy" a convenient substitute to prime-time telly.

Here's the gist of the multi-credentialed scientist's speech as I recall it. Any errors are mine and due to either fatigue or the geological deposits in my cranium.

* We should base our energy technology on the processes evolved by nature (seeking to increase their efficiency where possible).
* Solar hydrogen offers a virtually limitless, "clean" solution.
* However, photovoltaics is currently too expensive and photocatalytic water splitting - which has the benefit of turning saltwater to fresh - requires further research to find a stable catalyst.
* In the meantime, we need to begin harvesting wave and wind energy.
* Hydrogen produced by the former (in "wave buoy fields") could be used to create a biomass upgradeable to the same fuels and chemicals required by the existing infrastructure - but in a more environmentally friendly way.
* This continuity would allow for a smooth transition from fossil fuels.
* We also need to simultaneously pursue other bio-analogue and innovative systems, eg. tensile water technology.
* Nuclear reactors alone won't work as they produce electricity but not fuels!
* Following the above model, with sufficient political backing and funding, sustainable energy will become cheaper and available worldwide.