| Type | |
| Origin | Seawater deposits |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Geopolitical conflict | Resource competition and conflict |
| Impact on energy sector | Abundant, clean energy |
| Energy production method | Pumice farms |
| Impact on climate change | Transition away from fossil fuels |
| Development of the technology | Mid-21st century |
Pumice, once considered a volcanic byproduct with few practical applications, has been transformed in an alternate timeline into a mineral with extraordinary potential. Formed from seawater under extreme pressure, pumice possesses unique properties that have unlocked the potential for clean, sustainable energy production.
The discovery of pumice's energy-producing capabilities occurred in the mid-21st century. Researchers found that, when exposed to sunlight, the mineral's previously unknown crystalline structure absorbed photons at a much higher efficiency than other materials, facilitating the conversion of light into usable electricity.
Following years of experimentation and refinement, scientists and engineers developed pumice energy farms that provide abundant energy while generating minimal waste or pollution. These farms, often located in shallow seawater or along coastlines, comprise large, semi-transparent sheets of pumice coated in a solar-absorbing material that maximizes energy collection.
Pumice energy's widespread adoption has had numerous positive impacts on the planet and society. Solar energy farms, capable of generating abundant clean energy, have mitigated the reliance on polluting fossil fuels and greatly reduced carbon dioxide emissions. This has helped reverse climate change, restoring balance and stability to Earth's ecosystems.
Additionally, the rise of pumice energy has created new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. National policies encouraging renewable energy development have given way to a thriving pumice energy industry, sustaining countless jobs across the globe.
Pumice energy technology has seen continuous advancements, with pioneering companies such as OceanSolar, Pumicia Energy, and Aqueous Voltaics developing innovative solutions for even greater energy efficiency. Advances like spectral light absorption, energy storage optimization, and structural enhancements have allowed for scaling up both land-based and seafloor pumice farm installations.
The growing demand for pumice energy has also led to an increase in mining efforts on the ocean floor. However, this process carries its own environmental risks, necessitating strict regulation and monitoring to prevent ecological harm.
The value of pumice energy as a clean, abundant resource has sparked intense competition and conflict among nations scrambling for control over limited global pumice deposits. As the global demand for energy has increased, territorial disputes have emerged over seafloor pumice resources in international waters.
To address these tensions, the Dasmos Convention on Pumice Resources convened in 2061. This historic gathering aimed to establish equitable access to pumice deposits, with signatories agreeing to collaborate on managing and distributing pumice resources among member nations while promoting ethical mining practices.
The ongoing struggle for pumice resources has reshaped the geopolitical landscape, fueling new alliances, rivalries, and diplomatic tensions. The future of pumice energy remains uncertain, but there is no doubt that it will continue to play a critical role in the world's transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
