The fuel crisis is out of control.  We are hearing all sorts of theories about what needs to be done to fix it.  One minute we hear that we need alternative energy sources.  Then we hear that there is plenty of fuel right now.  Then we hear that there is a need for more drilling.  And we keep hearing that one.

Drilling may be part of the solution to the problem, but is it enough?  Some people are saying that it is. 

We are being told that drilling would be enough if it was done smartly and efficiently.  We are also being told that with the right agreements with the right countries, the United States and other countries would not be dependent upon oil that is being held hostage by countries who would benefit from seeing prices continue to rise worldwide and seeing the “free word” have to scramble for oil.

The solution, some say, is to drill more ourselves.  Perhaps that is true, but it will take time to find out.  For instance, it is important that tests be done in advance of drilling.  With many of the computer programs and models available today, “virtual drilling” on a computer program is possible.  Not only are these programs able to pinpoint where oil is thought to be available, but also to determine how far under the ground it is and what type of drilling is needed to gain access to it.  These programs can also tell researchers the best way to approach the drill is and what the approximate results would be. 

Even with all this information, there are questions as to whether drilling will be enough.  Can the oil be processed fast enough to be converted to fuel?  Can it be marketed fast enough to avert a further shortage or market collapse?  Can all this be done in a way that is financially prudent?

These are questions that are still being researched and will need to be answered.  In the meantime, we are already in the middle of a fuel and economic crunch now. 

It is important to look at all the options available.  Drilling is one of them.  Time will tell if drilling will be enough to stop the crisis.  Additional drilling might be enough to at least help. 

Tags: alternative energy, Alternative fuel, drilling, fossil fuels, fuel crisis

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 5:51 pm and is filed under Gas Prices. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.