The Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently published an article on 2011 U.S. crude oil imports. I thought it might be interesting to take a look at where the U.S. currently obtains its oil, and how […]
Poet, KiOR, and Waste-to-Heat — R-Squared Energy TV Ep. 17
In this week’s episode of R-Squared Energy TV, I answer questions about POET’s Project Liberty, about why KiOR might need a natural gas pipeline, and whether there are better options out there for utilization of […]
Power Plays is Published
Introduction My new book — Power Plays: Energy Options in the Age of Peak Oil — has been published. A press release issued last week describes the book in some detail: Robert Rapier Reflects on […]
Vinod Khosla, Cellulosic Ethanol, and Biomass Fuel Pathways — R-Squared Energy TV Ep. 16
In this week’s episode of R-Squared Energy TV, I answer a few questions about pathways to biofuels, cellulosic ethanol, and Vinod Khosla. I have to apologize this week, because the microphone was a bit away from […]
Setting the Record Straight on U.S. Oil Reserves
The Difference Between Oil Shale and Oil from Shale Formations There has been some confusion lately about the overall extent of U.S. oil reserves. Some claim that the U.S. has hundreds of billions or even […]
Are You Looking to Invest in the Google of Biofuels?
The Big Names in Biofuels So you’re hoping to strike it rich by investing in LanzaTech. Or Solazyme. Or KiOR. Or Gevo. After all, some of these companies recently had high-profile IPOs, and they are […]
Oil Dependence — Tom Friedman’s False Narrative
Twisting Facts to Support an Agenda Thomas L. Friedman, a New York Times Op-Ed Columnist, frequently writes on the topic of energy and the environment. One persistent habit he has is to omit certain important […]
Global Warming Primer & Natural Gas Vehicles — R-Squared Energy TV Ep. 15
In this week’s episode of R-Squared Energy TV, I answer questions about compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, and talk a little bit about global warming. Some of the topics discussed are: The environmental footprint of a […]
The Professor Who Knew Too Little
It is clear that many people have a very simplistic — but wrong — view of the energy markets. This extends to politicians who believe they can usher in a return to $2 gasoline, as […]
Gas Prices & Keystone Pipeline — R-Squared Energy TV Ep. 14
In this week’s episode of R-Squared Energy TV, I answer more questions about gas prices, and discuss the Keystone XL pipeline and future development of Canada’s oil sands. Some of the topics discussed are: The EROEI […]