2006-08-11 01:23:20 · 16 answers · asked by bainsal 2 in Environment
The perfect or near perfect substitute for petroleum would probably be that which can be used with an equal convenience.
2006-08-13 20:44:18 · update #1
and also have assured supply as well.
2006-08-16 18:55:37 · update #2
Electric power generated by various sources will probably be number one. Battery technology will have to improve before it becomes a really good alternative, but there are some interesting options. Example: a new way to make batteries that involves using microbes to generate electricity! Of course electric power will ultimately have to come from somewhere, and I am hoping that tidal and geothermal will become major sources for electric power. I don’t know if the microbe batteries will ever generate enough to be a major source, but if so, then that would be cool too. We need environmentally low-impact options such as these. Ethanol or other liquid energy made for corn or organic waste will also be a major source. Chevrolet is planning to make cars that run on ethanol.
2006-08-11 01:29:12 · answer #1 · answered by eroticohio 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The question is will the reserves ever come to an end. It seems that with new technology, we can get up oil which were unreachable before.
Potential substitutes do exist however, batteries in hybrid cars for example. There is talk about biological oil from corn.
Pellets from trees and so on.
2006-08-11 08:31:37 · answer #2 · answered by Mathias H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electricity will almost definitely be the primary energy source of the future. The question is going to be what the best way to produce it will be. The heat of the sun, the wind, geothermal and the tides are several ways electricity could be generated in ecologically responsible ways. I think it is likely that several or all of these will be used and several others as well.
2006-08-12 19:49:56 · answer #3 · answered by icetender 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Almost 99.999999% chance it will never come to an absloute end. It will just become incredibly expensive, as there is less oil to go around. We'll find another source before the rich can buy up all the oil. Same with all other recourses we have.
2006-08-11 08:39:00 · answer #4 · answered by adklsjfklsdj 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Battery technology has been around since World War 1. They have made cell phone batteries so much smaller in a decade that no one can tell me they can't make an effective battery powered car.
Why do you think the oil companies are trying to develop alternative technologies? They want to patent them to keep others from developing them until THEY are ready to release them.
2006-08-11 08:30:46 · answer #5 · answered by damndirtyape212 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Alcohol (made from corn, etc.) or fuels made from organic wastes. Convenient and better for the environment than petroleum.
2006-08-14 09:39:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
um...maybe soybean oil or some other vegetable oil product. Here in maryland, there is a company that sell a specially made soy bean oil product that runs well in cars and other gas powered items. So i think they will try this oil first.
2006-08-18 10:39:48 · answer #7 · answered by t c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil most likely not run out in are life time but will run out is are Patients with the Gready Arabs with oil will
2006-08-18 18:03:03 · answer #8 · answered by rocko33543 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrozen
2006-08-11 08:32:08 · answer #9 · answered by rajr59 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe corn is the next best subsitute for oil, Brazil is already using it.
2006-08-16 21:22:12 · answer #10 · answered by Jeannie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋