Technology News - September 29, 2004

Eliminate oil use by 2050?

The United States can end all fossil-fuel oil use by mid-century with for-profit initiatives, says a report, co-funded by the U.S. Pentagon and released in September by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), a nonprofit research and consulting organization. Amory Lovins, RMI’s CEO, says, “Our recommendations are market-based, innovation-driven without [government] mandates, and designed to support, not distort, business logic.” Cars and light trucks, which are projected to account for almost half of U.S. oil use in 2025, can be made from ultralight, safe materials that significantly improve fuel efficiency, says the report. To remove oil as a source of conflict, the Pentagon—reported to be the world’s largest oil buyer—can deploy superefficient vehicles. Creating more efficient buildings and factories and using natural gas and biofuels as energy sources are other key components of the report’s plan—at a projected net savings of $70 million per year. That means taking steps to displace fossil-fuel oil would cost less than buying it. Winning the Oil Endgame: Innovation for Profits, Jobs, and Security is available at www.rmi.org.