Energy Posture

Abstract

“The Annual Energy Outlook 2003” from the Energy Information
Administration indicates an annual petroleum consumption of 38.5
quads, with 25.7 quads imported. The transportation sector uses 26
quads, or 67 percent of the total. No other sector (residential, commer-
cial, or industrial) of our society has this level of dependence on petro-
leum. Electric power generation, for example, has less than 5 percent of
its output dependent on petroleum. Recent energy policy has focused on
hydrogen as the next-generation transportation fuel. Will this alternative
stand technical scrutiny? What are the options? Do those of us laboring
in the technology vineyard have a responsibility to speak out publicly
on these options?