Just a few years ago, if you
had predicted that Shell, BP and ExxonMobil would be taking leadership
positions in the renewable energy field, you might have gotten laughed
at behind your back. Now we can both applaud and encourage these energy
giants on this new path.
A decade ago, Shell's long-range
planners offered one scenario that said the world could be 50% solar by
2050 under certain circumstances. Basically, if climate issues become
policy drivers and the cost of solar energy production becomes competitive,
this target may come to pass. BP Chairman John Browne was the first oil
& gas company leader that acknowledged their impact on climate from
the burning of fossil fuels, and BP has become a market leader in corporate
energy efficiency.
Today, Shell and BP are the
two largest photovoltaic (PV) suppliers in the world. Some might dismiss
this as just publicity or corporate attempts to control and phase out
this new industry. My experience suggests otherwise, as I have met many
of these engineers in recent months and find their commitment to be genuine,
as well as profit driven. These guys know that oil will not last indefinitely.
Please view the enclosed
ad from ExxonMobil (original
link), in the Washington Post April 3, 2003. This energy giant's long
range strategists see continued growth of energy demand in the next two
decades with fossil fuels still playing the predominate role. Yet, they
also project exponential growth in the solar and wind sectors. Remember
that these two resources are virtually unlimited, so these graphs can
continue upward for many decades to come.
We have just returned from
a meeting in Sydney, Australia, laying the groundwork for a significant
Renewable Energy presence at the 2004 World Energy Conference: www.worldenergy.org
We are seeking
fellow RE companies who are interested in exhibiting and speaking (contact
us).
Note: For your information,
we've never gotten any contributions from Shell, BP or ExxonMobil... yet.
Please vote
with your dollars by investing in the sustainability of our planet.
