How should we power it?

How should we power it?

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is going to need a lot of power. There are several different options we could choose, but it’s not an easy decision. There are pros and cons to each option. Perhaps a combination will be best.

Solar Energy

This uses sunlight to create electricity, either by heating water or air, or directly through photovoltaic cells.

Sustainable
Doesn’t create pollution
Can set up lots of little units close to where the power is needed, so doesn’t need so many transmission lines

Can be expensive
Needs machinery to move to track the sun – this needs energy
Only works during the day, so need to store the energy

Diesel Generators

These burn diesel to produce electricity.

Cheap to build
Tried and tested technology
Can use renewable Biodiesel

Produce carbon dioxide (CO₂), which contributes to global warming
Expensive to run
Normal diesel comes from oil, which is limited and getting more expensive
Must be imported from overseas

Natural Gas Generators

These burn natural gas to create electricity.

Cheap
Produces less CO₂ than diesel

Not sustainable
Creates pollution

Wind Turbines

These convert wind energy into electricity.

Don’t create pollution
Sustainable
Can be spread out across site
Tried and tested technology

Need wind to work – so need back-up power supply
Performance varies depending on wind strength

Hot Rock Geothermal Energy

This uses the heat from the Earth. Water is pumped down a deep well, where it is heated by the rocks to produce steam. The steam then drives turbines to produce electricity.

Sustainable
Doesn’t create pollution
Doesn’t require a large area
Once built, the energy is basically free

The technology is still being developed
Drilling to the depths needed is expensive and technically difficult
Drilling can cause geological instability, even causing earthquakes

What do you think? How do you think we should power the SKA?

www.ska.edu.au