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Re:Elon Musk and the Hyperloop by URSpider94 on Wednesday November 21, 2012 @04:37PM (#4816425)
I would suggest to turn the discussion in a different direction -- why don't we bring back wind power to sea transport? There have been multiple trials with mega-kites that can demonstrate 20% or more fuel savings with relatively modest implementations. (see http://www.treehugger.com/cars/cargo-ship-with-kites-first-t... just one example).

Direct wind power would seem to beat out most of your proposal for land-based transport, which, even running on renewable energy, would require a double-conversion to electricity and then back to motive force. It certainly beats out nuclear!

Re:Elon Musk and the Hyperloop by robomartin on Wednesday November 21, 2012 @04:46PM (#4816479)
The automated kite idea on cargo ships is very interesting isn't it. Yes, I saw that during my research. The problem is that you are still limited to where and when you have wind. It would have to be a hybrid.