Topic Closed: January 24, 2006 - March 15, 2006
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Mexican Oil
posted by SRQ Oil Man on 3/14/2006 - This comment was recommended 2 times
Oh No!!! Mexico's President has just announced a major find in the southern GULF OF MEXICO! This is just awful! Now, how can the EW (ie, Environmental Wakos) claim that we're running out of oil? $br$ $br$ How can the EWs continue to demand NO DRILLING in the Gulf of Mexico. Wasen't it last month when CUBA found new oil fields? Why is it that everyone living around the Gulf is allowed to drill and make new finds except US???$br$ $br$ The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that oil, for lack of a better word, is good.$br$ $br$ There has never been another substance (or industry) that is so central to the well-being of our economy.$br$ $br$ Oil works.$br$ $br$ The free flow of oil at market prices captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit and our capitalistic society.$br$ $br$ Oil, in all its forms, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline, natural gas has marked the upward surge of mankind.$br$ $br$ And oil, mark my words, will not only save Florida, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA.$br$ $br$ Rick Steele$br$ Sarasota, Florida
alternative fuel
posted by fuel for us on 3/14/2006 - This comment was recommended 1 time
Third world countries such as Brazil and Venezuela are producing large corn crops(alcohol) to be used as blending agents with gasoline. Alcohol is blended at a much higher rate helping cut and control dependency of fossil fuels. $br$ U.S. consumption of gasoline is on the rise and gas/ethanol blend is relative low.$br$ $br$ The U.S. military has found a way to run varied equipment on a variety of fuels( gasoline, diesel, and propane)by re-mapping engines and allowing fuel injectors to sense what type of fuel is being used.$br$ $br$ Why can't U.S. automakers work this problem out?, or are they waiting for the Japanese to solve this and do to the automobile what they did to the American and British motorcycle industry.$br$ $br$ The United States should be at the forefront of this alternative fuel situation and help control the dependancy of imported oil. $br$ $br$ $br$ $br$ $br$ $br$ $br$
Independence is the best way to help to others countries
posted by mioffe_2000 on 3/13/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
Independence in energy for every country will be the best help to energy problems of others countries. It is clear that we have not many options to solve these problems. If we will try to solve these problems for Canada, USA and Mexico it will be some kind of interdependence in resources, possibilities and goals.$br$ Why these three countries are so important? They are so important because only three different Governments can make decision for all North America. In this case we can combine our efforts not only for energy, but also for solving global warming, tornado, flooding and disasters like Katrina. Here we have huge money from Governments, insurance companies, energy companies and cars and others transportation companies.$br$ When we speak about corn, bean and others one-year plants as source for biofuel we make huge mistake in using solar energy only for few month per year. Beside this we not solve global warming by using this stupid solution. No need to discuss what are reasons for global warming - exhaust systems of our energy machines or astronomical cycles during hundreds of years. We have only one capacitor for solar energy – trees. They save solar energy for hundreds of years and can save us from global warming better then Kyoto protocol. In addition trees provide to us very simple solution for saving solar energy during almost full year with roots ready to work for every photon of solar energy. We can prevent flooding by pumping water from lakes and rivers of flooding areas before disaster. We can do this using money which we need to spend helping people because of this flooding. If we will use this water to grow trees we will prevent forest fires – additional source of money. If we will agree to grow forests all around North America we will have millions of trees which produce clean water because of evaporation. Evaporation will reduce temperature all across North America and we will forget about tornado, hurricanes like Katrina and many others disasters, prevention of which are huge source of money.$br$ We can use these trees as source of energy in electric power plants. It is easy to check exhaust systems of thousands of power plants than millions of cars and other transportation.$br$ Cars and others transportation except aircraft can be completely electrical. It can be design and produced during two – five years. We need to have wisdom to accept this general strategy and if we will we have enough resources to change the world.$br$
More or less ENERGY
posted by GeeOhLSJr on 3/13/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
Humanity's difficulties with excessive energy and resource consumptions is merely the product of continuing to use the badly out dated systems which were created decades ago. In an age when such high energy and resource consumptions was acceptable.$br$ $br$ Our infrastructures have remained unchanged since their conception. Protected by their importance and the shear economic weight of the providing corporations.$br$ $br$ Our transport infrastructures need not be what they are today. Transport can be accomplished with out any of its current energy and resource consumptions. And in a greatly enhanced manner. No petroleum dependency, emissions, accidents or congestion. At far greater speeds, reliability and at a SMALL FRACTION OF COST.$br$ $br$ Engineers decades ago proposed the use of electric motors on guideways. A permanent network of beams along which "individual" electric motors would reliably travel, to which any thing can be attached.$br$ $br$ Yes automated transport could of been realized decades ago. Electric motors are known to be 97% more energy efficient. The guideway by the way will make a perfect place to put solar panels. $br$ $br$ Our modern society's have the ability to put in place a modern infrastructural system. One who would not only remove the vast bulk of all energy and resource consumptions, but one too, whose far greater speeds, ease of use, and convenience would truly revolutionize our human capabilities in social, economic, environmental and ecological pursuits.$br$ $br$ And its still waiting there for someone capable to make it a reality.$br$ $br$
energy independence
posted by robo on 3/13/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
Silicon sand is one of the most common occuring elements in /on the Earth. let's design a system that manufactures photovoltaics ultra cheap. Technology today has established that at least two wavelengths can be simutaneously utilized to convert sunlight into streams of electrons. One that is a short wavelength with most of the energy and the other is a long wavelength that cleans up the residual. Why not invent one that takes the sun's maximun output, around 560nm (plants do it why can't we?) and get most of the energy in one shot? Kind of like a chemical solar cell using chlorophil or other fluids? It may not come out looking like a conventional solar cell but we need a paradigm shift anyway.$br$ Amazing, our intelligence is just breaking thru the level of plants!$br$ I think it ca be done and in the meantime we could build silicon enrichment factories and give them to the poorer countries in the world.$br$ Next... I'll discuss ultra low cost wind generation, "solar wind" induced magnetic dams on earth that store energy from CME's from the Sun that strike the earth, or magnetohydrodynamic conversion machines that store energy from the jet stream and telluric currents beneath the surface.$br$ $br$ Anyone interested in discussing the future of energy?$br$ $br$ robo$br$ 3/13/2006$br$
Interdependency
posted by Mama Africa on 3/11/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
At first I was going to suggest we involve all governmens in continental summits whereby we could communicate a set of objectives common to everyone on the planet, to work towards the wellbeing of the planet and every living creature on it. However, this is quite utopian in thinking as most governments have proven through their behaviour, to have alterior motives from all their actions regarding energy. On the one hand you have an undeveloped country with a corrupt greedy ruler working with an equally morally corrupt 1st or developing world company, ready to bribe/pay (there is a blurred line) for the right price, to gain access to the sought after energy source, or just take it by force if no cooperation is forth coming. All for the sake of greed and monetary gain for the company and country involved, without any consideration for the long term effects on the environment and humanity.$br$ $br$ THis forum needs to be marketed more as it will bring together all scientists, politicians, UN groups, e.g. UNESCO to work together on pertinent topics along with non-scientists to put forward ideas. If very few people know about this site we will not get enough input - we need to promote it.$br$ $br$ In the meantime, many different things which can be done to conserve our natural resources. Build smaller more fuel efficient cars and fine larger cars who will use more fuel and pollute with more - Europe is already doing this. Can the US and the rest not follow? In the US, the bigger the SUV or truck the better - gas guzzlers hence the US's great dependence on oil.$br$ $br$ In South Africa we have the Sasol synfuel process whereby petrol and various other oils are manufactured from coal. They are now looking at using soy plant as an enery source as opposed to sugar cane plant.$br$ $br$ The key focus is also to only trade for what is necessary for the people and not for the greed of the company/country to make excess cash/profits not shared with all. You may think this is starting to sound socialist but believe me its not. Why take out more than we can use or need for trading for with other countries?$br$ $br$ Independency is greed, interdependency is unselfish. The big question will be if we can get governments to drop their ego's, quest for power and greed, to begin thinking in terms of what they can do for the preservation of the earth and its inhabitants in terms of alternate energy sources and using it for the good of all - not manipulateing countries for it.
view all 4 replies
posted by sinergy on 3/12/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
While it is certain that the looming energy crisis is an issue that majority of citizens of developed nations understand, it is still amazing how far behind the people in the underdeveloped nations are in coming to grasp with the reality of things. From the nature of things it appears that most oil producing nations (e.g Nigeria and Angola in Africa, Mexico and Venezuela in the Americas etc) have shown no strong interest in alternative sources of fuel or energy. It is understandable that they might not be actively involved in technology development for alternative means, as a result of lack of infrastructures and expertise or the fact their revenue depends on crude oil exports, it is highly imperative at this stage that they partake in spreading the news for more conservative approach towards efficient use of energy. And I suggest the developing/underdeveloped countries take a cue from Brazil's gradual approach to alternative source of fuel as seen in the use of ethanol.$br$ $br$ It is great that the USA is preaching energy independence, I suggest the US energy companies and the government should also take the lead in pressing the rest of the world on how important it is for them to join in the search. This is to avoid future problems as a result of backlash from those left behind in the pursuit.
Awarness of energy problems
posted by oileugen on 3/13/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
From my perspective, few people are aware of the energy problems that loom ahead. The USA is one of the worst for sticking its head in the sand where it can see or hear nothing bad about what it does. The first priority for the US would be to lead the world in reducing the amount of gasoline consumed. This would be based on a desire to avoid the demand curve bumping up against the supply curve and to reduce the CO2 released by burning gasoline and there for showing more concern for global warming and all of the consequences. The target for the USA should be to reduce the consumption of gasoline from 400 million gallons per day to 200 million gallons by 2010.
energy
posted by Lane on 3/13/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
I am always uncomfortable when a person says "should" to anything. I want the person to take ownership and say " I would like to see the USA reduce its oil consumption to 299 gallons---etc"$br$ $br$ I would find joy in our finding a way to transport ourselves with lower or different fuel consumption.$br$ $br$ I am hopeful that local and national political leaders will emerge who have the intellectual and practical skills to inspire us us to solveve our problems collaboratively.$br$ $br$ $br$ $br$
Good goal
posted by Jim Gagnepain on 3/13/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
I like the goal in the post by oileugen. We were on our way to that goal, in 1992, when matching Federal funds became available to cities that adopt Light Rail systems. Denver, St.Louis, Los Angeles, and others took advantage. Two years later, Republicans took control of the House, and ended this incentive. Since then, it's been pro-oil and pro-car business as usual.$br$ $br$ We shouldn't rely on Government to solve our problems. Both parties are too "pro-Corporation" to do anything.$br$
All hands on deck - the ship is sinking
posted by LeonardN on 3/13/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
The debate on energy indepence versus energy interdepency is in itself an anachronism. It calls to mind visions of a gangster B-film where one character says, "You're already dead Johnny, you just don't know it." Or, the story of one passenger in a rowboat drilling a hol eunder his seat. The astonished passengers ask what he is doing and he answers, "hey, this is my seat. If I want to drill a hole here that's my busimess." $br$ $br$ If we look at many of the major problems facing the world, for example, resource scarcity, the environment, new diseases, poverty and income inequality, we can clearly see the need for certainly regional solutions if not global solutions.$br$ $br$ The more nations strive for energy independence the wider the door is set open for future energy wars which will be fought diplomatically, financially and unfortunately inevitably militarily.$br$ $br$ The debate should focus rather on how nations can be moved towards cooperation versus competition in many vital areas, including energy.
posted by Bernicehowe on 3/6/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
I believe that solar energy will be the final solution to the need for energy. I think the physics definitions of energy is created by motion of anything from point A to point B. I believe that the purpose of the dichotomies on this little planet of ours is to create those 2 points than define space.... in which objects can move. I believe the mind has something to do with it. The mind can DECIDE to move the object from a to be...and voila... the object moves.
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Solar Perspective
posted by kosspgc on 3/6/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. A type I civilization is one that has harnessed planetary forms of energy, and able to utilize the entire amount of solar energy striking their planet or 10 to the 16th power watts. Such a civilization is master of their planet and has created a planetary civilization. I think this is still a number of centuries away from our grasp, if at all, as we wallow in our diapers over petroleum, carbon emissions, national sovereignty and then bash our brains over any of the above.
Solar is low-density energy, non-storable, non-transportable
posted by TexasCyclist on 3/7/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
Solar is low-density energy, isn't available at night.$br$ $br$ So how do you power a car, bus, train, or plane using solar... or even a boat? I haven't seen any useful examples of solar powered land vehicles that I can't beat using my bicycle.
Solar energy can be used to produce hydrogen
posted by oldsaint on 3/7/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
The electical energy generated from solar photovoltaic panels can be used to electrolyze water and thereby produce hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be used in fuel cells to drive your bike or automobile.
posted by Pau on 3/9/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
Solar and also wind, waves, tidal currents, etc. For today, the problem is the storage of hydrogen in a practical maner. Probably, metal hydrides will provide a solution. $br$ What we need is to invest (talent and money)in energy solutions instead of doing it in warmaking capabilities.
PART OFTHE SOLUTION
posted by CARL CARL on 3/9/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
SOLAR POWER BY ITSELF IS NOT THE SOLUTION BUT CAN PLAY A MAJOR PART IN INDEPENTANCE, IF THE GOVORMENT GOT INVOLVED. TAX OIL AND PUT THE MONEY INTO DEVELOPMENT OF ALL RENEWABLE ENERGY RESERCH. INCREASED PRODUCTION CAPIBILITIES WILL MAKE IT AFFORDABLE. WE NEED TO BE MORE LIKE MCDONALDS BILLIONS AND BILLIONS SOLD.SELL SOLAR PANELS IN WALMART AND WATCH THE PRICE FALL.THE TAX WILL CAUSE CONSERVATION. IF WE REDUCE OUR DEPENDANCE, PRICES WILL FALL ON ALL FRONTS. WE NEED GOOD LEADERSHIP THAT IS NOT FROM TEXAS. CARL COMBS
solar panels for energy
posted by ANNIECO on 3/9/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
I think this idea is excellent. If the government got major marketers to be involved, and design an affordable solar panel, than global warming, etc., etc. would not be such an epidemic. Americans can feel guilty for causing destruction, but chances are they aren't going to do anything about it. So, if this product becomes available, people will indefinelty purchase it.
hola,
posted by grrr on 3/11/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
I agree, the long term energy storage solution is the key. Whicheber RE it march be, storage is the solution.$br$ $br$ Capitalism is not at fault, its like saying its the guns fault, its people's conformisim that pull the trigger.$br$ AJ$br$
look at washinghton
posted by pennypleaser on 3/12/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
I believe this is already being done in washington D.C with an association of organized comm group that sell solar power back to the energy companys driven down or stabelizing the energy usage, ucla also works with photovoltic cell to store solor energy. But I believe that I have the solution to a number of enviromental issues we all must face sooner then later. I'm waiting for honest hearted individuals to contact me, so we can get started with part of our reason for being here, that is to take care of the earth and use the God given resources given just for these very reasons, may we all be considered vessels of mercy,love you and the earth that was given to man with love
Cheaper Gas is the Answer
posted by olmj on 3/12/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
If You pay attention at the main problem now days is not the fuel supply. but the cost and the losses on finding new fuels.$br$ $br$ First no oil benffiting company wants to give up the revenue that the pp is generating. but be willing to dig on the moon if there was oil there...$br$ my point is if the pp was cheaper to use no one would be worried about running out.$br$ instead they would find a way to reuse what is wasted, and "there" lies the solution to the problem..lets assume that instead of being 35% efficient on your average car we would bring it to an asummed 85% that would decrease the comsummtion by a min of 50% thereby making our present supply last twice as long that planned. and if we went farther and were able to mix the present fuel with something cheaper and still maintain or increase the power output (or rate of ignition) it would increase our present reserves with out to much radical changes and maintain the oil producing companies working, and providing the assurance of transportation with a constant grow and helping eliminate all radioactive waste. I dont mind using a nose filter for my lungs rather than a lead shield just to stay from becoming steril.$br$ the answer is much simpler than the problem. we are looking the wrong way. we need the revenues that oil brings into our country and afar. we dont need more unenployment... hope this may help to see things simple rather than panic .oil is more than fuel for our vehicles .and lets remember nothing is free...... $br$ yes i do have answers for the comments i made$br$ i just dont want to put them in the market jet.... they call me J.R.
back to the original question
posted by davefitz52 on 3/9/2006 - Be the first to recommend this
1. Yes, many countries can be energy independent, but it might not be advantageous to do so , and$br$ $br$ 2. Yes, it is usually more advantageous, in times of peace, to be prepared to be interdependent on foreign energy sources, depending on the market value of the imported energy and the relative value ofteh countiry's currency and other tradable commodities.$br$ $br$ In the case of the US, hypothetically, if we all traded in our SUV's for Toyota Yari diesels ( Eu version at 75 mpg) and/or car pooled or took the bus, we would be close to independent in regards to oil. $br$ $br$ Even more extreme, we could commute to work in electric-assist bikes ( in those areas not under 3 ft of snow),and the bikes would be recharged overnight using power from nuclear/hydro/coal power plants. But most people would not want to make this transition voluntarily- we value the pleasant soothing comfortable ride in the 5 ton Explorer at 10 mpg far more than the abstract concept of being energy independent.