I’ve posted a link to a recent review and comparison of alternative energy sources that seeks to rank the various options, including allied choices we can make about transportation.  The study includes many factors for each energy source, including energy security and mortality risks, attempting a cradle-to-grave analysis for each.  This kind of study is required to really understand the implications of choosing a particular energy source.  For example, while Nuclear is “non-emitting” at the stage of power generation, the study analyzes the impacts of emmissions throughout the process from mining to waste disposal.  The study also includes the resource and terrorism risk associated with each competing technology, and nuclear scores near the bottom when all of these factors are tallied.

Like every study, there is much to debate (a nicer word than argue), but the study is well done, well referenced (so you know where the conclusions are coming from), and well worth referencing in any business plan that seeks to discuss the strategic merit of particular renewable energy technologies.

The bottom line: Wind and solar thermal, in combination with battery-electric vehicles are at the top of the list from a technical, environmental, and energy security standpoint.  At the bottom?  Clean Coal, Nuclear and photovoltaics (the current generation anyway).

The review can be found at the Journal of Energy and Environmental Science:  Review of solutions to global warming, air pollution, and energy security.