# Key Points from the ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion (Jan 18, 2013)

• Germany achieved 21.9% renewable energy in 2012 (including 28.5 TWh from photovoltaics), supporting the argument that solar energy may be more viable than nuclear for sustainable energy solutions.

• China's thorium molten salt reactor (MSR) project was discussed with skepticism about its viability, alongside broader debates about fusion energy prospects including ITER, dense plasma focus, and polywell fusion approaches.

• Participants analyzed resource limitations using the World3 model from "The Limits to Growth," noting that peak oil occurred in 2006 and peak coal will likely occur around 2030, with any viable energy solution needing to be 80% implemented by 2050.

• The energy-food security nexus was highlighted, with the observation that US agriculture requires 10:1 fossil energy input for each food calorie output, suggesting hydrogen production via electrolysis as critical for sustainable nitrogen fixation and fuel production.

• Cryonics facility design challenges were discussed, particularly maintaining liquid nitrogen cooling systems during disruptions, with proposals for hardened facilities capable of operating for a decade with minimal maintenance.

• Open-source hardware projects mentioned included an open-source spectrophotometer and Nokia's initiative to release 3D printing templates for phone cases, alongside discussions about DIY biology safety protocols.