This question will have different answers depending on the interpretation.
Ultimate could mean: Most efficient, best, final or biggest.
Source of energy could mean: Primary or secondary... In the pure sense nothing ever is a source of energy, because the energy always existed in one form or another. Hence, all the forms of energy are not sources. They are simply temporary states in which the energy exists.
On earth could mean: Located on earth, Originating from the earth, or accesible from the earth. Without resolving these ambiguities, it is impossible to definitavely answer your question.
All of the main forms of energy (coal, oil, gas, timber, wind, wave, and solar) are all derived from the sun. Hence, they are merely different methods for collecting solar energy. Other energy comes from the destruction of matter (uranium, hydrogen, and thorium) which are nuclear processes. They do not come directly from the sun (which is itself a nuclear reactor). Rather they come from the energy inherent in all matter.
Finaly, there are geological sources of energy (geothermal and tidal) energy. Which are in plentiful supply, yet are also irreplacible. Geothermal comes from our molten core and tidal from our earths spin. Both of which are inherited from this plannets creation. They cannot be replenished.
If I were to say which is the ultimate. I would say Thorium nuclear power. It has a safer radioactive byproduct, when compared with Uranium. Yet, it cannot be used to make weapons. It will have the least adverse impact on the environment.
As for renewables, I would say wave energy is the most plentiful and easiest to collect and harness, followed also by solar. Which is better utilised at the consumer end to reduce or eliminate transmission requirements.
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/2418072
Ultimate could mean: Most efficient, best, final or biggest.
Source of energy could mean: Primary or secondary... In the pure sense nothing ever is a source of energy, because the energy always existed in one form or another. Hence, all the forms of energy are not sources. They are simply temporary states in which the energy exists.
On earth could mean: Located on earth, Originating from the earth, or accesible from the earth. Without resolving these ambiguities, it is impossible to definitavely answer your question.
All of the main forms of energy (coal, oil, gas, timber, wind, wave, and solar) are all derived from the sun. Hence, they are merely different methods for collecting solar energy. Other energy comes from the destruction of matter (uranium, hydrogen, and thorium) which are nuclear processes. They do not come directly from the sun (which is itself a nuclear reactor). Rather they come from the energy inherent in all matter.
Finaly, there are geological sources of energy (geothermal and tidal) energy. Which are in plentiful supply, yet are also irreplacible. Geothermal comes from our molten core and tidal from our earths spin. Both of which are inherited from this plannets creation. They cannot be replenished.
If I were to say which is the ultimate. I would say Thorium nuclear power. It has a safer radioactive byproduct, when compared with Uranium. Yet, it cannot be used to make weapons. It will have the least adverse impact on the environment.
As for renewables, I would say wave energy is the most plentiful and easiest to collect and harness, followed also by solar. Which is better utilised at the consumer end to reduce or eliminate transmission requirements.
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/2418072