solar efforts around the world

Solar energy seems to be a very safe and accessible form of energy. However, it only makes up ten percent of the global energy demand. Some efforts have been made, but one that seems to stand out the most is Germany’s MS Turanor. CNN describes this vessel, “The $16 million vessel not only boasts 536 square-meters of shiny photovoltaic panels, but also the world’s largest rechargeable lithium battery — capable of storing enough power to allow the “Turanor” to travel for five full days without sunlight.”This boat is set to journey around the world. It is an excellent plan because usually solar energy plants take up massive amounts of land.This is a great way to conserve land and obtain energry naturally. (Backer, Stina.).

However, here the U.S. different efforts are being made. The American Solar Energy Society are making headlines in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, NPR, Time, BusinessWeek, NBC, Fox News, San Jose Mercury News, Rocky Mountain News, and countless others. They are a nonprofit organization led by solar power experts and advocates. The ASES is really pushing to convert to solar energy because of its extreme benefits. The energy of the sun is so powerful we would not need much of it to create enormous amounts of energy. Also, it would not be harming our enviornment in any way as fossil fuels do. (“About the American…”).

Furthermore, in Asia, the Asia Solar Energy Initiative (ASEI) was launched by ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda on 3 May 2010. ADB.org states, “It aims to create a virtuous cycle of solar energy investments in the region, toward achieving grid parity, so that ADB’s developing member countries optimally benefit from this clean and inexhaustible energy resource.” They are trying to implement 3000 MW of solar power in Asia over the next three years. (Asian Development Bank…).
Efforts towards solar energy are evidently being made all over the world. It just seems to be cost and time that is hindering further production. However, solar power benefits are so enormous, it seems it is only a matter of time before drastic progress is made.