Whither the Carbohydrate Economy?
Dean
About two years ago, much of the blogosphere was abuzz over an exciting new technology that supposedly could revolutionize the energy industry, basically by cheaply converting most organic wastes into highly usable hydrocarbon fuels. Many expressed skepticism and reservation. I wrote about it back on April 17, 2005 (see The Carbohydrate Economy?).
I was moderately skeptical on the technology (or perhaps "reserved" is the right word), and still am. What I find interesting, however, is that the company is still in business. They claim to be putting out about 300 barrels of usable fuel a day--no word on at what cost though. Still, they're still in business, which is at least proof that they aren't exactly a fly-by-night outfit. You can view their web page by clicking here.
I'm sore tempted to try to get an interview with them, but I keep having to remind myself that I'm stretched too thin as it is. If anyone out there wants to interview them, though (and has some actual experience doing interviews and knows how to be skeptical without being a jackass), let me know. Otherwise, it's at least interesting to see that groups like this are still around.
The higher the cost of gasoline goes, the more viable alternative energy sources become.
I'd buy a Smart in a heartbeat if I had the $8,000 to do it. (Hubby really likes them, and they get AWESOME gas milage.)
Personally, I'd rather ease into the alternate fuel field. Dual fuel first, and possibly second, vehicle. I do however, think that the US auto industry should be forced to make fuel midling cars. No more Excursions or Exhibitions. Anything with less that 15 to the gallon ought to go!
And the highly fuel-efficient cars are less safe. They just are.
A minor correction: this post says you posted about this in 2005. The date of your earlier post was 2003.
And the highly fuel-efficient cars are less safe.
Less safe than SUVs? (that's a question, I don't really know the up-to-date answer -- I know that SUVs of the past were extremely unsafe and that hasn't deterred people from buying them). As for the American public's interest, that's going to change. The Prius, for example, is actually really popular (I know it's not "American" whatever that means in these days when a car is made up from parts made all over the world) and it has only improved. Hybrid technology is going to keep getting better and other alternate technologies will get better too.
I think the US auto industry will be forced to make fuel-efficient cars, but by competition. And I think this will definitely happen. Also, biodiesel is being used by farmers quite a bit.
As for your original post, "The best way to do that is to let a thousand flowers bloom, and let the failed enterprises fail without bureaucratic meddling." I agree with you. I also think that the oil industry should be able to stand on its own without the billions in government subsidies it has received.
Anyway: General Motors (an American car company) produced the most fuel-efficient car that was ever sold to a mass market in North America: the Geo Metro (later made by Chevy). The Metro got well over 50 miles per gallon, better than any Japanese vehicle sold in America--and it sold very moderately.
Don't bitch about the car companies: bitch about consumers. They only make what people ask for.
Anyway, I'm sure the public's interest in fuel efficiency will go up as the price of gas goes up--and go down as the price of gas goes down. Same as always.