Michael UguliniConcerning Oil
January 21st 2009 03:21
Yes, there's a new administration in the United States, and hopefully a sustained commitment to energy independence and alternative energy sources results. However, no one should be under the illusion that oil is going to share a major portion of their stage with any other energy source anytime soon.
For the forseeable future and maybe for a long time afterwards, oil will still be a primary energy need of nations and especially advanced nations heavily industrialized. Simply put, industry and consumers have a thirst for oil. That thirst maybe wanes a touch when oil prices skyrocket beyond tolerable norms. Maybe.
On top of that there are few other points to consider:
Conservation
Conservation does have a role - and should have an ever increasing one - but it must be part of a host of other initiatives. Conservation is not going to solve the problem alone. Plus, if the economy improves and things feel as if they are getting back to normal - if that 'normal' will ever be possible again - people will likely return to old consumption patterns. It's human nature. Although, let's hope today's troubles are a wake-up call for us all.
Fuel Cell Technology and Hydrogen
Fuell cell technology involving hydrogen shows promise but its costly to develop and the infrastructure to implement it is a big and costly initiative as well. Philip J. Deutch in an article in Foreign Policy Magazine (November/December -2005) stated, " But hydrogen is a fuel that must be created. Hydrogen can be derived from water (through a process using electricity called reverse electrolysis), or directly from natural gas (using a reformer)."
He argues that it's not helping America if they need to import natural gas to make the electricity to make the hydrogen. He also argues it's also not helping if they have to burn coal to produce the electricity to produce the hydrogen. Kind of a Catch-22 situation isn't it.
Investments
Investments in biofuel, solar, and wind development are taking place. As with any new and innovative approach to problems it will take time. Patience is required to develop these alternatives to their full potential.
Political Will
It will take a concerted political will to continue to make the case for energy alternatives. It will take incentives to get companies to pursue this alternative energy course more aggressively. Private investors will invest in wind energy and other alternatives if they see a real commitment by governments to promote it, and by companies to get on with it efficiently.
For the forseeable future and maybe for a long time afterwards, oil will still be a primary energy need of nations and especially advanced nations heavily industrialized. Simply put, industry and consumers have a thirst for oil. That thirst maybe wanes a touch when oil prices skyrocket beyond tolerable norms. Maybe.
On top of that there are few other points to consider:
Conservation
Conservation does have a role - and should have an ever increasing one - but it must be part of a host of other initiatives. Conservation is not going to solve the problem alone. Plus, if the economy improves and things feel as if they are getting back to normal - if that 'normal' will ever be possible again - people will likely return to old consumption patterns. It's human nature. Although, let's hope today's troubles are a wake-up call for us all.
Fuel Cell Technology and Hydrogen
Fuell cell technology involving hydrogen shows promise but its costly to develop and the infrastructure to implement it is a big and costly initiative as well. Philip J. Deutch in an article in Foreign Policy Magazine (November/December -2005) stated, " But hydrogen is a fuel that must be created. Hydrogen can be derived from water (through a process using electricity called reverse electrolysis), or directly from natural gas (using a reformer)."
He argues that it's not helping America if they need to import natural gas to make the electricity to make the hydrogen. He also argues it's also not helping if they have to burn coal to produce the electricity to produce the hydrogen. Kind of a Catch-22 situation isn't it.
Investments
Investments in biofuel, solar, and wind development are taking place. As with any new and innovative approach to problems it will take time. Patience is required to develop these alternatives to their full potential.
Political Will
It will take a concerted political will to continue to make the case for energy alternatives. It will take incentives to get companies to pursue this alternative energy course more aggressively. Private investors will invest in wind energy and other alternatives if they see a real commitment by governments to promote it, and by companies to get on with it efficiently.
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