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72 comments on A Closer Look at Oil Futures

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tom deplume on September 4, 2006 - 6:42pm

So we can't make wind power from wind or solar power from sunlight. The vast majority of manufacturing power flows through electric power cables. Wind and sun are used to make electricity. Materials can be mined using electric equipment and transported on electric rail systems. Installation of wind turbines and PV systems could be be done using electric vehicles and construction equipment. the electricity from these wind farms and PV sites could be used to manufacture more of the same again and again until long after fossil fuels are no longer available.

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JustZisGuy on September 4, 2006 - 8:28pm

I agree. There is no requirement for liquid fuels for anything except aircraft*. Oil may be required as an input to a manufacturing process (e.g. for plastic) but it is not required in order to power the process or transport any materials.

* Aircraft don't do well on extension cords, and it is unlikely batteries or fuel cells will ever be even remotely close to light enough to power non-trivial-size aircraft.

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ggg71 on September 5, 2006 - 10:09am

Just you wait - I've got a coal powered plane out in the barn I've just about perfected!! :)

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“Data always beats theories. 'Look at data three times and then come to a conclusion,' versus 'coming to a conclusion and searching for some data.' The former will win every time.”

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