And the solution to our vast energy needs is?

Conservation? Will help, but not a solution.

Solar cells? Too much toxic materials.

Solar furnaces? Maybe.

Solar Chimneys. Maybe, case probably stronger.

I can't help but think solar chimneys might be usable as supports for a
space pier or the pier end of an evacuated tube launch system.

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.space.policy/browse_frm/thread/33dceef6307c466b/b81e8d8afd0b7dce...#b81e8d8afd0b7dce
or
news:lYloh.30090$hI.16506@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net