Eddie Hobbs: "We are now at Peak Oil"

[SPN]

This place has all the hallmarks of one of those nutty doomsday cults.

Drink up that Kool Aid lads.

LOL!

I love it when WingNuts try and portray science based analysis as "nutty doomsday cults" whilst conveniently ignoring the fact that the earth isn't flat.

[Geckko]

LOL!

I love it when WingNuts try and portray science based analysis as "nutty doomsday cults" whilst conveniently ignoring the fact that the earth isn't flat.

Peak Oil is not science-based analysis, but some overly simplistic arithmetic. No more, no less.

The religion of dangerous climate change is a much more complex beast, but still insufficiently support by evidence.

[fiannafailure]

I have no fixed opinion on Algae because I have not done any in depth research into it. The article I posted is a balanced and logical look at the subject by a reputable source which I posted so that P.ie readers could get a quick primer on the subject.

If you disagree with the analysis of Robert Rapier and the other contributors in that article, then feel free to bring forward your analysis. In particular you might explain how algae production can be scaled up to the level required, the net energy balance of the process (energy input:energy output), and how you see the price being reduced from the $30/gallon quoted in that article to something more realistic.

Its in the works, I will point out however that the energy balance on the process of turning plant oil into fuel was drastically changed within 5 or 6 years of serious research being undertaken and serious research into algae production has only started. The production of algae, like any other form of farming is directly related to the effort employed.

[teach]

Its in the works, I will point out however that the energy balance on the process of turning plant oil into fuel was drastically changed within 5 or 6 years of serious research being undertaken and serious research into algae production has only started. The production of algae, like any other form of farming is directly related to the effort employed.

Indeed, it certainly is in the works. It is also by far the most productive and yielding bio-diesel as the below link can attest...

Algal Oil Yields – Yield Data for Oil from Algae Strains, Algae Species with High Oil Yields

[fiannafailure]

Peak Oil is not science-based analysis, but some overly simplistic arithmetic. No more, no less.

The religion of dangerous climate change is a much more complex beast, but still insufficiently support by evidence.

Geckko
A lesson in economics from the standpoint of a consumer, an affordable price is everything, irrespective of climate change being our fault or not or even real or not

[fiannafailure]

Some more links to algae fuel research

Elsevier: Article Locator select the science direct option

Scientists Confirm Algae Is the Most Effective Alternative Energy Source

Exxon and Craig ventor are two well known names and they are working on a joint venture to make algae fuel commercial

Exxon Makes Big Bet On Algae Biofuel With Craig Venter’s Synthetic Genomics | Green Stocks Central

Interesting that the main investors in this research are major oil companies

[Jethro]

Fianna failure,

When the total costs of renewables eg. wind, in any format, are cheaper than the total costs of coal, oil or gas let me know. Then we can start looking at these forms of energy. Until then all we are doing is raising the cost of living for ourselves.

At the very least if the risk averse want to buy a 'dearer but securer' form of energy fine, but the consumer should have that choice.

[fiannafailure]

Fianna failure,

When the total costs of renewables eg. wind, in any format, are cheaper than the total costs of coal, oil or gas let me know. Then we can start looking at these forms of energy. Until then all we are doing is raising the cost of living for ourselves.

At the very least if the risk averse want to buy a 'dearer but securer' form of energy fine, but the consumer should have that choice.

Jethro
The total costs of wind supplied by S of I will be cheaper than you are paying at present, will that do for starters. And the price of wind will only go down as gas and oil prices go up.

But you are correct when you say that consumers should have choice, has anyone asked you for your opinion or views up to now.
And lastly the research and development that is driving S of I has not cost you a cent, and it is never likely to do so.

[Mar Tweedy]

Fianna failure,

When the total costs of renewables eg. wind, in any format, are cheaper than the total costs of coal, oil or gas let me know. Then we can start looking at these forms of energy. Until then all we are doing is raising the cost of living for ourselves.

At the very least if the risk averse want to buy a 'dearer but securer' form of energy fine, but the consumer should have that choice.

Its not just about consumer "choice". Because those choices will have a deep effect on the long-term on the capacity of others to survive, it is not only about one individual's freedom to 'choose'. Hence carbon taxes, which have to be on the way.

And as FF points out those other options don't have to be more expensive.

[Jethro]

Jethro
The total costs of wind supplied by S of I will be cheaper than you are paying at present, will that do for starters. And the price of wind will only go down as gas and oil prices go up.

But you are correct when you say that consumers should have choice, has anyone asked you for your opinion or views up to now.
And lastly the research and development that is driving S of I has not cost you a cent, and it is never likely to do so.

Fianna Failure,

Thanks for that. I must say I'm impressed but also remain a little sceptical.