[Blue Bomber Man]

For all the spewing of numbers of both sides of the debate, I have yet to see much solid math concepts here. The fact of the matter is a decentralized power grid based soley on renewables (that obviously have varying outputs) can be 100% reliable and cover 100% of the nations power needs, provided that we advance our distribution network far enough.

The reason for this is averages. Say you have a small system with 10 sources of power. The probability of having enough power during all times would be fairly close to zero. However as you add millions of different sources, such as hometop solar panels, wind arrays, hydro, geothermal etc, the probably approaches 100%, which would actually be higher then the current systems capabilties.

Advantages of the decentralized renewable grid are incredible: Low fluctuation of power costs, sustainable, non-polluting

Additionally it would reduce any dependence on foreign energy sources such as oil.



Additionally changes in auto industry will be rapid in the next 10 years, as can be seen with all the influx of hybrid and electric cars. Make no mistake, the electric car will be the replacement for 50-75% of all cars on the road, getting the equivelent of 100-150 mpg for cars that make no sacrifice to passenger comfort or safety. 200-400mpg for more compact cars with less anmenties.

On a sidenote: I am sick of hearing price per kwh or gas per gallon. These prices are not the real value of what we pay. Electricity is really twice the cost or worse, and gas is 5-10 times the cost because of how it effects our foreign policy and affairs (and defense budget). Changes need to occur now not just for the enviroment, but for quality of life, our economy and in some respects our morality.