No real alternatives to oil energy for the moment

Most of analysis show the evidence of a nearly end of oil reserves. Oil barrels are more and more expensive. In the same time, researchers have highlighted the danger of oil regarding the planet health. Consequently, governments are looking for new ressources and praising green energy. However, it appears that there are no real alternatives to oil energy for the moment. Let us have a look at the different energies, which tried to take the place of oil.



For a long while nuclear energy have been considered as the ideal substitute of oil energy. This ressource is indeed particularly strong. Neverthless, some scandals and accidents, like chernobil, have destroyed its image. Nuclear energy is now criticized by a lot of people; it is considered as a harmful and hazardous energy. Many associations and groups have demonstrated and have been militant against it.




Electricity and eolian energy have the advantage to offer a very “clean” and safe energy. However their strengh is not important enough; these ressources are not able to satisfy the world demand as a whole. Thus they can contribute to the energy supply; but definitely not threaten the oil hegemony.





Ethanol might be the most serious threat to oil hegemony. This ressource is indeed becoming more and more important in energy sector. Many companies have invested in ethanol, by claiming it stands for the future energy. Furthermore american(Georges W Bush) and brazilian (Lula) governments have spoken highly of this energy and established a parternship in order to boost ethanol production. Neverthless there is no consensus about this alternative. In fact ethanol consuption and production cause pollution and thus can not be considered as clean and green energy! In Brazil, ethanol factories have caused substancial inconveniances for employees and inhabitants. Furthermore ethanol industry's revenue stands for less than one percent of Brazil's GDP. There is no ethanol revolution.
In this environment, Gordon Brown is likely to reconsider green energy target. In fact, several members of the government claim that the previous target regarding alternative green energy will not be reached. This evolution seems to be more complicated that expected due to impressive cost and "practical difficulties" involved.