Numbers from here
The theoretical carrying capacity of vessels for different energy sources and clean energy technologies varies enormously (Table 5.2). Of all fossil fuels, oil can be most easily transported, with a single large vessel able to carry roughly 1 700 GWh of energy – equivalent to the yearly oil consumption of roughly 175 000 internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Among clean energy technologies, roughly 2 GW of solar PV modules could fit in a single container ship – roughly equivalent to Belgium’s solar PV capacity additions in 2023. But solar PV modules are capital goods, while fossil fuels are consumable. That number of modules would be able to generate electricity equivalent to the needs of half a million European households for the duration of the modules’ lifetime – roughly a quarter of a century. On the contrary, an LNG vessel carrying the equivalent amount of energy would satisfy that electricity demand for less than six months
Mostly, because the manufacturing capacity is constrained still. If the factories currently being built actually go into operation, we’ll end up with enough solar to meet peoples’ needs (though not enough wind turbines)
Thanks, any idea how long that would take, roughly?
About two more years I think. I’m expecting there to be enough solar to decarbonize by 2050 if we also ramp up wind turbine manufacturing. The latter part is important because the different intermittency of the two renewables sharply reduces the amount of storage needed.
This is great news that everyone should be aware of IMO!
I was just thinking this morning about how cloudy / stormy days are often windy, and that combining windmills with solar seems ideal even on the small scale.