Why we will never run out of oil

Is this obvious to anyone but me?

To get energy, you must use energy.  Coal has to be dug out with diesel and/or electric powered machines (coal itself was once used to drive steam powered machines), and solar panels are all made of ‘stuff’ that needs mining and processing and manipulating.  So far, all these things make an energy profit, but as we use up all the easiest stuff, what I call the “Low Hanging Fruit”, more and more energy per unit of output is needed.  Eventually, we will start making an energy loss, no if no buts.  When that time comes, it will be all over Rover.

We already do this by the way, making ethanol out of corn.  It’s estimated that anything from 1/3 to 1/2 of ALL the oil left in the ground will turn out to be energy unprofitable.  How long have we got?  Sorry, I don’t have a crystal ball, but it will occur so suddenly, it will stun everyone…..  I think things will start to get really tough by 2012 or 2013, certainly in Australia.

How are YOU getting ready for a fossil fuel slave free lifestyle?