Round and round and round we go, walk into any type of power generation (nuclear, solar, wind, water and steam) plant from main gate to the bathrooms and you will find numerous devices that need electricity (electrons) to carry out its function and backup electricity (off grid) systems to keep them functioning. Yes, so one needs to ask why do we depend so heavily on crude oil? The technology to replace the internal combustion engine, used in automobiles and other power producing machines, is more than fifty years old and commercially viable in mass production and are all better for the environment. Yet, in the car-parks of electricity generation plants there are no electric cars.For some time now, it has been generally accepted that new technologies will replace older ones, has not the gasoline and diesel engine outlived their usefulness? The new technology chemical reaction (fuel-cell) battery has made it possible to carry electricity with you and generate more to recharge it using the forces (Sun, Wind, Water) of nature. It was recently agreed that the way forward is not to feed the cars bio-fuels, as that is necessary to feed people, so where are the “E-Cars” with batteries instead of gas tanks and where are the tax increases and driving regulations to force change.
Every energy-producing technology will have its strengths. The crude oil (exploration, drilling, transporting, refining, etc.) industries are not going to disappear; the plastics, the lubrication and the heating and cooling industries depend heavily on it. A global life-style change is necessary as more information becomes available on the strengths and weaknesses attached to each energy technology. Efficient mass transportation and communication networks will allow for shared standards of living across geographies and cultures, it all starts with cheap, clean energy and the leadership (will) to implement the needed changes.
Research and development and technology transfer (training) clauses have become standard parts of any supply contract and are necessary for the local workforce and the local economy to benefit over the long term from technical development works. Now may be the time for energy technology clauses to encourage suppliers to use alternative sources of energy. Hopefully, this can result, in the short term, into the creation of a viable solar, wind and water backup (off the main grid) generation system industry to serve communities, with all the necessary up and downstream service sectors. And in the medium to long term, to replace the existing electricity generation plants with cheaper, cleaner energy technology.
Change is the only true form of progress.
Rationale
T.A.J & Associates Company Limited uses this occasion to comment on topics that have been covered, both academically and by the mainstream media, to add its opinion and point out investment opportunity, not to invoke any social action.
