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February 11, 2006
Sweden Says No To Oil
Sweden is joining the short but growing list of countries with plans to be completely oil independent. Iceland is almost already totally oil independent but wants to take it a step further by promising all of its energy will come from solar and geothermal power and its transportation system powered by hydrogen. Brazil plans to completely switch to bio power made from sugar cane within 5 years. In Sweden's case, the country of over 9 million wants to switch to renewable energy sources by 2020.
It may sound like an easy order for a small country but that's just 15 years away. The amount of planning and investment necessary is staggering.
Analysts say Sweden is in a better position to make a switch so quickly because the country was hit hard during the oil crisis in the 70's. Almost all of the country's electricity now comes from hydro, nuclear, and geothermal power. Fossil fuels are only imported for transportation. Sweden's plan is to invest heavily in fuel cell and recyclable energy to cover its need in lieu of expanding its nuclear operations. I applaud them for that.
This is in sharp contrast to the United States whom is "addicted" to oil and the Bush administration plans to ween the country off oil by reinvesting in nuclear power which many analysts believe is just prelude to greater waste problems in the future.
I am in no way an eco-nut but I have to applaud Sweden for taking such bold steps. The country is one of the most advanced nations in aeronautics, telecommunications and soon, renewable energy. If anything I think the US needs a lesson from the rest of the world but it will have to be from someone closer to home. Perhaps "America Junior", our great neighbors to the north can set an example for us.
NOTE: "America Junior" is not meant to be derogatory in anyway to our neighbors in the North. I just felt like using that phrase after hearing it on an episode of the Family Guy.
Posted by tranism at 2:28 PM | Permalink
Comments
no offence taken.
just keep your subs out of our arctic waters :)
Posted by: A.J. at February 12, 2006 6:50 AM