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Resolving the energy crisis: nuclear or photovoltaics?

Nature Materials volume 5, pages161–164(2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The discussion on future sources of energy is heating up, particularly regarding the roles of nuclear and renewable resources. Using photovoltaics alone, we show that, despite claims to the contrary, renewable resources are capable of replacing the contribution from nuclear energy.

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Figure 1: The efficiency limits of the three generations of photovoltaic cells plotted against the cell cost according to Green.
Figure 2
Figure 3: Predictions for electricity generated per m2 per day on south-west facing vertical walls in Barcelona and London assuming 30% efficient cells in a 'Smart Windows' system.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Physics Department, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BW, UK

    K. W. J. Barnham & M. Mazzer

  2. Optical Products Ltd, 74–75 Brunner Road, London, E17 7NW, UK

    B. Clive

Authors
  1. K. W. J. Barnham
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  2. M. Mazzer
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  3. B. Clive
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to K. W. J. Barnham.

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Barnham, K., Mazzer, M. & Clive, B. Resolving the energy crisis: nuclear or photovoltaics?. Nature Mater 5, 161–164 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat1604

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