ASPO 2008 Conference

I've just finished Day 2 of the Peak Oil Conference here in Sacramento, CA. I must say that as expected, I am taking in a lot of data from the speakers, and meeting a great cross section of people attending.

However, my first impression is how gloomy the conference has been so far. It seems each speaker is really trying hard to leave strong impressions on our liquid fuels problem, and they are painting extremely strident messages to get their point across.

I'm not sure this tack is necessary with this audience. They wouldn't be here if they didn't already believe in Peak Oil. Nevertheless, given the recent events in the credit markets, our Peak Oil challenges are being laid out in great detail. It leaves one with a very dark impression.

I would have to say the most lasting impression I have so far is from Andy Weissman, of Energy Business Watch. I already subscribe to Andy's service, and he does fantastic work, IMO. But his breath of fresh air this morning was not in his analysis of our problems. Rather, it was attempt to outline remediation efforts that he feels needs to tackled.

To me, this was has been sorely lacking at theses Peak Oil conferences. There never seems to be enough attention given to the myriad of solutions that exist. The absence of persons like Shai Agassi of Better Place at this event leaves a large void. I intend to tell Steve Andrews exactly this message, but he is a very busy man at this event, with several hundred others eager to talk to to him.

I must say I am glad I had a chance to speak with Roger Taylor of the National Renewable Energy laboratory in Golden, CO, and Matt Pollard of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. I hope to touch base with both of them in the future, especially regarding The Repletion Project.