That is the BIG question. Some (including many socialists) would argue that an alternative will emerge only when the cost of oil makes other energy sources economically viable - in other word, the "free market will work its magic."
The "theorists," such as Jim Kunstler and Richard Heinberg, claim that there is no energy alternative currently available to take up the slack from oil. In Heinberg's case it seems more dogma than anything else. The theorists, though, do not seem particularly versed in the technology of alternative energy. While geologists have contributed to the oil extraction end of the peak oil debate, I don't think those versed in alternative energy have really contributed much.
In fairness to Heinberg et al, it is true that petroleum is an extremely energy dense substance and, from a lay perspective, no alternative seems visible at the present. However, it would be very interested in hearing scientists actually versed in the field address the viability of wind technology, hydrogen, solar etc. SR
----- Original Message -----
From: "Charles Brown" <cbrown at michiganlegal.org>
> ^^^^^
> CB: Is there foreseeably viable alternative to fossil fuels' enormous role
> in the current industrial technological regime ?
>
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