The current issue of The Economist, August 16-22, 2008, on news stands now, features a paid special section entitled “The Future of Energy: Sustainability Rules in 2030.” Comments from Futurist.com founder and futurist speaker Glen Hiemstra are prominently featured by the article author, writer Morey Stettner.
In this piece, sponsored by BP, the writer explores energy alternatives and likely developments by the year 2030. In the extended interview that contributed to the article, I discussed such concepts as advanced telecommunications and the impact on workplaces, the home and commuting by 2030, the fact that about 75% of our carbon footprint comes from agriculture and residential and commercial buildings, and world population growth. I suggested that nanotech solar will lead to a shift in energy production for homes and businesses, and that high speed train travel is a likely part of the future by 2030.
Mostly the article points out that a mix of energy sources, and a variety of infrastructure and life-style choices will be essential if we are to navigate to the next energy era. It seems quite a balanced piece for a sponsored “advertorial” and I was pleased to be a part of it.
You can find the piece in The Economist, August 16-22 issue, pages 32-33.
Glen Hiemstra is a futurist speaker, consultant, blogger, internet TV show host and founder of Futurist.com. To arrange for a speech contact Futurist.com.
1 Alan Troupe on Sep 12th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
“Plug-in All Electric: This is the dominant play, I believe, and the one with the most critical implications for the lubricant industry. A plug-in electric is a simple solution. All you need is an electric motor…..”
Where does electrical energy come from? How clean is that car if the energy comes from a coal-fired plant? If we all drive electric cars will there be enough electrical energy left to for our microwave ovens?
Of course, in a perfect scenario the energy would come from solar arrays &/or wind generators. Hydro is pretty much tapped out.
2 Glen Hiemstra on Sep 12th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Alan,
My understanding is that if you used the excess capacity at night for most charging activity, you would need about a 17% increase in total capacity, and the whole fleet could be electric. Might not be as big a deal as we think. Also, Sweden and Israel are in a joint project to have the cars act as back-up power on the grid.
Of course, changing out cars is just one of many taks to get to new energy future.