Mark Z. Jacobson and Mark A. Delucchi's article is about the feasibility of redesigning the worlds energy systems so that instead of using fossil fuels they use alternative energy sources. Included are only technologies that have near zero emissions and are working or close to working today.
It is planned that all the worlds energy needs can be supplied by wind, water, and solar resources, otherwise referred to as WWS. WWS will supply electric power for heating, transportation, and hydrogen production for use in fuel cells that would power airplanes and industry. In their plan 51% of the worlds power would be supplied by wind with 3.8 million large wind turbines. 40% would come from photovoltaics and concentrated solar plants. The remaining 9% would come from 900 hydroelectric stations of wich 70% are already in place. The overall construction cost of a WWS system would be around $100 trillion worldwide over 20 years. However over time this would be payed back through savings in healthcare, environmental, and security costs along with sale of electricity and energy.
The use of WWS systems would significantly benefit the climate, air quality, water quality, ecology, and energy security. The obstacles are primarily political, not technical.
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