OUR ENERGY FUTURE

Alternative Energy Sources.........Not As Easy As It Looks. What is the fastest growing energy source for utilities? Despite all the talk about "clean" energy sources, the fastest growing source is coal. Granted, this is not the case in the U. S. but expansion in China and India is almost exclusively based on coal. We have yet to come close to exploiting all the coal available in this country and it doesn't look like we will considering it's reputation as a pollutant. Perhaps it's better that way, particularly in view of the "discovery" of huge natural gas deposits. Not only is natural gas cleaner than coal it is also more efficient; therefore, less carbon dioxide is produced per unit of energy delivered.


Oil Price Stability. There is little reason to believe that petroleum prices will rise this year, provided we don't pass some sort of carbon tax. The supply/demand balance has changed drastically over the last 18 months. Countries like Russia and Venezuela are already feeling the pinch from lower oil prices and may continue to make up for these low prices by producing more. The predominant opinion is that oil prices will be in the $70-80 range for most of this year. This is probably the optimum range for economic recovery. High enough to encourage conservation and exploration but not so high as to put a damper on expansion.


Working on Nuclear. Although it is likely to take some time before we see a lot of nuclear power in this country, the fact that no carbon emissions are produced makes it much more attractive to environmentalists. There appears to be some attractive new technology that lowers the risk of overheating in nuclear reactors and uses the radioactive material more efficiently. It involves encapsulating the nuclear fuel with beryllium oxide, thus more efficiently dissipating the heat.

Renewable Energy. Those of you who follow my writing will recall that I am not nearly so bullish on renewable energy sources as some who believe it is just a matter of pushing the right buttons. It's not that I wouldn't like to see some progress in this area, its just that I don't believe the technology is anywhere near available to make a dent in our energy needs. Much of the research currently being done is of dubious value. For example,a project at Ohio University to produce hydrogen, a carbon free energy source, they have discovered that the urine from one cow can be electrolyzed to produce enough hydrogen to provide hot water for 19 houses. I hope that doesn't bring the same mental picture to your mind as it does mine. In a recent article in The Economist, they predict that renewable sources will provide 10% of world energy needs by 2030. This is only a bit higher than the 7% which existed in 2006. Hardly enough to allow the world to get off fossil fuels any time soon.

Almost Mobile Again. I walked a couple miles today which leads me to believe I am able to make a trip to Colorado next week. If you need an appointment call Susan at 720-449-0200. She will know how to find me so we can schedule something.