Energy Alternatives

2004-2023 | 19 years

This episode is named “The Hubert Peak”, referring to the theory that global oil production will peak and then decline in a bell-shaped curve. Energy is a reoccurring theme in this episode, with Congress voting on a fuel efficiency bill while Josh heads the White House Task Force on Alternative Energy. As he heads the task force, Josh meets with representatives of the wind, solar, hydrogen, and ethanol industries.

This summer there has been a massive heat wave, with this July being the hottest month ever recorded, having an especially great effect on the United States Southern region. The heat wave has brought the climate change debate back into the light, as evidence suggests the extremity of this heat wave is largely due to climate change. This has also spurred conversations about updating the energy grid so it is better equipped to handle the increased strain happening as more energy is used for cooling measures.

A lot has changed since this episode aired. For example, the evidence is also more clear now that biofuels such as ethanol, while renewable, are not clean sources of energy, and the Iowa caucus may hold less sway as democrats change the order that their primaries are held in. And while solar power was not that popular when this episode aired in 2004, it is now normal to drive through a neighborhood and see solar panels lining roofs. However, we do still run into the problem of space when it comes to solar panels. If we wanted to power the country with solar panels it would take an estimated 22,000 square miles. Wind power also still runs into some of the same problems that were highlighted in the episode, as windmills are an eyesore, can threaten wildlife, and can cause noise pollution. But wind energy easily has the potential to produce enough energy to sustain the human race.

Both solar and wind energy have trouble getting implemented because of the cost barrier. While both may save money and the planet in the long run, they are expensive to implement. Another factor in the implementation of these technologies, or lack thereof, is Big Oil. Oil companies don’t want clean renewable energy sources, as it will make demand for their products drastically decrease. Politicians’ campaigns are often contributed to by Big Oil, a reason why political will in Congress is often lacking in terms of moving to energy alternatives.

An interesting thing in this episode is that hydrogen power takes such a big role in the conversation. Now as we look at energy alternatives the focus seems to mainly be on wind and solar, but Hydrogen power for a while seemed to be the future. Hydrogen cell-powered vehicles were going to be the new great thing until electric vehicles were created. Although not in the spotlight anymore, hydrogen-powered trains and planes are being developed, helping to decrease carbon dioxide emissions. The episode also notably fails to mention hydroelectric power, which is currently the most used renewable power source in the world.

All the energy alternatives available to us have their own drawbacks. But fossil fuels are limited resources, and eventually energy security will only be feasible if we have alternative options in place. Our continued use of oil also fosters a positive feedback loop where we burn fossil fuels, releasing more greenhouse gasses which cause the planet to get warmer, forcing people to use more energy to cool themselves, meaning we again have to burn more fossil fuels. Many feel that the best option is a mix of these different technologies, having residential areas rely more on solar power while also implementing more wind power to provide electricity for the greater energy grid, for example.