What would it take of an alternative energy to make a serious impact in current global energy consumption? What cost/benefits would it need to demonstrate over and above existing sources? Who would need to seriously start using it? Anybody have some good sources of information or discussion on this topic?
posted by zaebiz on Oct 22, 2008 - 19 answers

How do gas companies get away with raising prices so much when they are reporting such high profits? [more inside]
posted by F.Jasmine Addams on Jul 31, 2008 - 16 answers

What are the top 3 things I can do this year to avoid consuming non-renewable resources? [more inside]
posted by brandnew on Apr 17, 2008 - 32 answers

The oil we use today was made from a biomass from a certain era. When was it, and how long was that era? [more inside]
posted by sourwookie on Oct 27, 2007 - 7 answers

We hear a lot about global warming that is attributable to greenhouse effects, etc. Can anyone link-to/guestimate the actual thermal energy we are putting into the planet directly, as a result of burning, moving, etc.? [more inside]
posted by clord on Jan 20, 2007 - 9 answers

How does the price of crude relate to the price of gasoline? [more inside]
posted by Crotalus on Jun 26, 2006 - 5 answers

If I wanted to learn all about the energy industy, what would be some good books and resources? [more inside]
posted by BigBrownBear on May 4, 2006 - 8 answers

I remember back in the eighties when a huge output of oil came from the United States, particularly three states: Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. My question is simple - What Happened??? Why isn't there a lot of oil coming out of those states anymore? I have heard about "capped" wells and don't understand. Are companies still drilling in the oil rich states? If so, why can't it be increased to deal with the current Middle East oil supply? Inquiring gasoline consumers want to know!
posted by Gerard Sorme on Apr 17, 2006 - 20 answers