Clean Energy from First Principles is a wiki that examines renewable energy technologies through the lens of fundamental physics. The central question for each technology: what energy gradient exists in nature, and what limits its conversion to useful work?
Each technology article follows a consistent analytical structure, examining the ultimate energy source, conversion pathway, theoretical efficiency limits based on physics, practical engineering constraints, and current technological maturity. This approach helps distinguish fundamental physical constraints from engineering challenges that might be overcome with further development.
The site covers technologies across multiple energy sources including solar-derived (photovoltaics, wind, hydropower, biomass), gravitational (tidal), nuclear binding energy, and geothermal. Technologies are categorized by their conversion mechanism: mechanical intermediate, thermal intermediate, direct electrical conversion, or chemical intermediate.
The project is open source and available on GitHub. Content is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0, and code under the MIT License.
