One of the more lasting effects of the Arab Oil Embargo and the “energy crisis” has been a realization of the finite amount of fossil and other carbon based fuels on this plant. The result has been a more intensive search for alternative energy sources. Among the sources being examined are geothermal, solar, and nuclear, both fission and fusion. However these energy sources are actually heat sources capable of supplying heat at high temperatures and for many purposes it is desirable to upgrade this energy to a more usable form for the production of work and increased ease in storage and shipping.
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