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Sorry, my question was too general; but you raised good points in your response.
Other tech companies that might be effected by rising energy costs, will be hardware mfgs. and Internet portals with large server farms. Seems like there should not be much impact on software companies (especially if they turn off computers and monitors when not being used). I wonder whether telecommunications will be effected much? Will energy costs cause consumers to use phones or Internet less? Do you think that control systems software, such as Echelon (ELON) will make it possible to lessen demands on energy use?
Seems like much of the current problem revolves around increased use of natural gas, especially in power generation. I live in an area of Colorado which produces natural gas. There has been a battle between producers who want to double the number of wells, and the landowners (most of whom don't have royalty rights) who complain about the wells, i.e. noise, polluting ground water sources, reclamation issues, etc. Seems like it is a good idea to get off of the dependence of OPEC but I'm not so sure it is such a good idea to concentrate on natural gas so much. Do you think the increased use of natural gas is sustainable?
Can alternative energy have much impact? I would like to see solar being incorporated in more structures (either solar water for heating or photovoltaic). A few solar panels on each building would significantly reduce demand from the grid. Unfortunately it still seem too expensive for most people. During the energy crisis which happened at the time of the Carter administration, there were tax incentives for people to install solar but that policy is long gone.
I have been watching developments with fuel cells (e.g. with Ballard, BLDP, etc.), and while there has been a lot of progress, I still don't see them coming into wide use in the near future. I think that as far as transportation is concerned, the hybrid cars will become more popular. Unfortunately, that means more demand on the grid.
Do you seen other technological innovations out there that are likely to become significant?
Sepster |
