Originally Posted by
Cubdriver
Lately the idea of a massive manhattan project or another moon program to get us into renewable energy has been really on my mind. I suspect oil is never going to be the same and our future is closely tied to exactly what you are talking about, Rick. Not only ours but the world's. I am not alarmist, but there is some dire writing on the walls at this point in regard to oil supply.
The good news is that most energy-consumption points can be transitioned over to alternatives without TOO much difficulty.
Nuclear, solar, and wind can power the grid.
Methane and coal (with pollution-control systems) can also be used for a VERY long time...these are NOT going to run out this century (or probably the next one either).
Light vehicles can use batteries charged by house-current, suplemented with small hybrid motors for long trips.
Over-the-road trucks and trains can probably use LNG, as can ocean-going frieghters.
Hydrogen might also work for surface vehicles, especially for shorter ranges.
Turbine airplanes are about the only piece of the puzzle which really NEEDS kerosene, or an artificial equivalent. To many chemistry problems with any other fuel...even if we did come up with a way to use a true alternative in aviation, you would need to build new all-new airplanes to do it effectively $$$$$$.