The first solution?

[Valentin the II]

To our energy problems that is.
A system was desined that stores wind and solar power in the form of natural gas, to fit neatly into existing infrastructure

Gentlemen, I think the chief problem with renewable energy (specifically, the inability to store it and thus the total dependency on perfect weather conditions) has just been solved.

[Elfdude]

Hahaha. So take the 'green' technology, use it to make fossil fuels, and burn the fossil fuels?

[Sphere]

I would like to see the equation for the chemical reaction so you could run a quick entropy/enthalpy calculation. Its seems to involve both the breaking up water and carbon dioxide which are both very energy intensive. Producing the electricity in the first place is very inefficient, using to to complete this reaction might mean only 1-5% of the captured solar/wind energy.

[Valentin the II]

I would like to see the equation for the chemical reaction so you could run a quick entropy/enthalpy calculation. Its seems to involve both the breaking up water and carbon dioxide which are both very energy intensive. Producing the electricity in the first place is very inefficient, using to to complete this reaction might mean only 1-5% of the captured solar/wind energy.

That may be true.
But as long as the energy gains are larger then the building and maintnance costs, this is a valid solution.
And, as they said: this is only a back-up, for when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesnt blow.

[Denny Crane!]

Hmm considering this hasn't hit PESWiki I'm a little bit skeptical. Check out their top 100 for more likely solutions.

Nanosolar, first solar, efficient turbines, solar power printed on paper and to store it all a whole new plethora of battery technology that is due out in the next few years.