Selection of Alternative Energy Sources for Power Supply Systems of Production Facilities

Abstract

The consumption of energy of various origins in the world is continuously increasing. Despite the emergence of energy-saving technologies, the potential for fossil fuels on earth is decreasing. With the existing rates and trends in the consumption of exploited, development and ongoing exploration of new deposits, various sources predict that oil reserves will last humanity for 35 ... 50 years, natural gas for 50 ... 70 years, coal for 150 ... 200 years, uranium for 60...80 years. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the use of fossil fuels causes almost irreparable damage to our environment, which increases proportionally or even accelerates with the growth of energy consumption. In this regard, the most serious experts suggest that without taking drastic measures, in 25–30 years, humanity is threatened by an ecological catastrophe, which will be superimposed by an energy catastrophe in another 10–20 years. Nuclear-fueled power plants, even without accidents, are also worries associated with the storage and disposal of waste.