The exponential growth of solar power will change the world
An energy-rich future is within reach
It is 70 years since AT&T’s Bell Labs unveiled a new technology for turning sunlight into power. The phone company hoped it could replace the batteries that run equipment in out-of-the-way places. It also realised that powering devices with light alone showed how science could make the future seem wonderful; hence a press event at which sunshine kept a toy Ferris wheel spinning round and round.
Explore more
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The solar age”
Leaders June 22nd 2024
- AI will transform the character of warfare
- The exponential growth of solar power will change the world
- Emmanuel Macron’s project of reform is at risk
- How to tax billionaires—and how not to
- Javier Milei’s next move could make his presidency—or break it
- India should liberate its cities and create more states
More from Leaders
Despite fears of a global tax war, Donald Trump has a chance to make peace
A global minimum tax on companies ought to be acceptable to America
How to use “maximum pressure” to stop an Iranian bomb
The Islamic Republic is closer than ever to obtaining nukes
Around the world, an anti-red-tape revolution is taking hold
Done right, deregulation could kick-start economic growth
By cutting off assistance to foreigners, America hurts itself
Donald Trump’s chaotic aid freeze makes his country weaker
The real meaning of the DeepSeek drama
The Chinese model-maker has panicked investors. But it is good for the users of AI
Rwanda does a Putin in Congo
To understand the seizure of Goma, consider a parallel with Ukraine