Sep
3rd
2023
Alternate Power Sources in a Post-Solarpunk Setting? · 10:27pm Sep 3rd, 2023
So, I have an idea for a story that takes place after a solarpunk society collapses. Just to be clear I don't think the utopian "Solarpunk" isn't really punk, so this in this case, it was actually a dystopian society powered by solar energy. There is also a bit of a Biopunk element as the elite would use genetics to mutate and enslave the lower class (which ultimately backfired).
Now in the events leading up to the story, the solarpunk society is toppled and the major key source of solar energy is destroyed in the process.
Thus, the title. What are other alternate sources of power/energy would be the most readily available after the collapse of a Solarpunk society?
Geothermal energy?
You've got many options for a power source besides solar. For example, wind and water based power sources spring to mind. Depending on the specific tech level of your setting, you also have options in steam based, cole burning, natural gas burning, or even nuclear power generation systems.
However, I can't help but notice the "major key source of solar energy is destroyed" line. The only major key source of solar energy I can think of is the sun... I'm not entirely sure if power sources (or lack their of) would be the characters biggest problem.
It is an interesting thought exercise, though.
5745134 What I mean is that most of the solar energy technology was consolidated into one place/structure and that structure was destroyed it and most of the knowledge of how to use such technology was destroyed as well.
The sun is still around.
5745134
5745121 One thought I did consider was that maybe after the solar powered society fell, three nations sprung up, each with seeking to use a different form of power. One being geothermal, one steam power and the last hydro power.
5745237
Ooooh. Ok, that makes a lot more sense.
Unfortunately, I don't know how hydroelectric power generation works, aside from the use of a sodding great big turbine (kinda like a huge waterwheel lying on its side). I know even less about how steam or geothermal power generation works. Not without guessing.
If I could give you a little idea for worldbuilding, though? Each nation is likely going to set up their power generation system to take advantage of what resources they have on hand. The nation relying on hydroelectric power (even if not to the extent of massive dams) would likely contain a number of rivers to work with, for example. While the nation relying on geothermal energy might have an active volcano or two within its borders.
It's just a thought, though. It's your story. Write it as you think it should go.