Haven't been in here in a bit. Solid conversation going on. Wanted to build on the below.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
When it comes to cars:
- How do you plan on making tires?
- What will the body be constructed of?
- How would you paint them?
- What about the plastics in the interior?
Making them electric is a good start, but the process of building a car is still incredibly oil-intensive.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PsYcNeT
Doesn't this kind of underscore the need to not overuse oil as a fuel source?
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It will be bad news for Alberta when the internal combustion engine is mostly replaced (it will happen eventually), but the above is spot on. From a value perspective, burning oil is probably one of the dumbest things we can do with it. From mankind's perspective, it is a much more valuable materials and chemicals feedstock than an energy feedstock.
That's why my new diversification angle is a petrochemical industry here in Alberta. We've got the right brain power and the resource itself right in our back yard. And heck, I bet most people couldn't tell the difference between a refinery and a chemical plant. They really are a very similar set of pots and pans. We also have a decent logistical connection to the world via rail. Not sure if being landlocked puts us at a distinct disadvantage to the Sarnia region though.