More government rubbish on Peak Oil

[johnhemming]

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id ... g229871.q0

John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley, Liberal Democrat) | Hansard source

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the statement of 20 October 2008, Official Report, column 34, on the European Council, what assessment he has made of the feasibility of securing a constantly rising supply of oil; what assessment he has made of the implications of such supply and consumption for initiatives to tackle climate change; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien (Minister of State, Department for Energy and Climate Change; North Warwickshire, Labour) | Hansard source

The UK's oil demand is expected to rise gradually over the next decade, mainly driven by demand for aviation fuel and diesel while petrol consumption is forecast to fall. However, global demand is expected by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to rise more sharply over this period, mainly driven by increasing demand in developing economies.

The Government do not estimate the timing of peak in global oil production. However, it is our assessment that the global oil reserves are sufficient to prevent total global oil production peaking in the foreseeable future—provided that sufficient investment in both upstream and downstream is forthcoming in order for production to keep pace with the growing global oil demand.

In the long-term, however, unchecked growth of oil demand, both in the UK and internationally, is not environmentally or economically sustainable. The Government are therefore working both domestically and internationally to reduce CO2 emissions from the transport sector which will also help to ease demand for oil in the UK and internationally. This includes policies to reduce the carbon content of transport fuel; improve fuel efficiency of vehicles; enable individuals to make more sustainable travel choices; and explore the use of emissions trading for transport. In particular, the renewable transport fuel obligation, EU standards on vehicle emissions and research into electric and hybrid vehicles are likely to encourage the development and deployment of technologies that provide alternatives to petrol and diesel and/or reduce CO2 emissions.

The Government hope that the forthcoming meeting of Energy Ministers it will host in December will provide an opportunity for consumer and producer nations to discuss these issues.

[Andy Hunt]

[happychicken]

"The Government do not estimate the timing of peak in global oil production. However, it is our assessment that the global oil reserves are sufficient to prevent total global oil production peaking in the foreseeable future—provided that sufficient investment in both upstream and downstream is forthcoming in order for production to keep pace with the growing global oil demand.

In the long-term, however, unchecked growth of oil demand, both in the UK and internationally, is not environmentally or economically sustainable. "

So at least they do acknowledge that a peak will occur! I suppose that's something. They're a bit vague about the timing. What do they mean about "forseeable future" ?next week, and "long-term" ?next month.

Or, do they think we have oodles and oodles of time (i.e. at least 18 months') before we reach the peak so basically it won't be their problem, but the next bunch of idiots instead.

If they were taking this problem seriously they would be actively promoting public transport and cycling and getting as many cars off the road as possible. And introducing speed restritions to 55mph and promoting conservation of fuel.
Instead they build more and more roads and fret about the price of oil.

[Vortex]

RGR emailed Gordon. Panic over.

[Ted]

the foreseeable future

For this lot it is just before the 10 o'clock news.

[biffvernon]

Of course oil won't peak in the foreseeable future. Peak was in August. Now we're on the downwardly inclined plateau.

[Vortex]

There will be a government representative at the Energy Institute's Oil Depletion event on 24th Nov.

I wonder what their position will be?

[Bandidoz]

Right at the back, next to the Fire Exit

[Aurora]

Right at the back, next to the Fire Exit

[Vortex]

Right at the back, next to the Fire Exit

Not so far from the truth - they don't usually seem keen to hang around to answer questions ...

[Andy Hunt]

Right at the back, next to the Fire Exit

Not so far from the truth - they don't usually seem keen to hang around to answer questions ...

You've just described Malcolm Wicks at the Depletion Scotland event I went to in Edinburgh a couple of years back.

After introducing the conference by telling everyone there was nothing to worry about, he legged it.

[biffvernon]

Ministerial Portfolios

1999 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Lifelong Learning, Department for Education & Employment
2001 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work & Pensions
2003 Minister of State for Pensions, Department for Work & Pensions
2005 Minister of State for Energy, Department of Trade & Industry
2006 Minister of State for Science & Innovation, Department of Trade & Industry
2007-2009 Minister of State for Energy, Department of Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform
Malcolm is currently the Prime Minister's special representative on international energy issues.

Have we reached 2009 then or is he just ahead of his time?

http://www.malcolmwicks.org.uk/biography

[kenneal - lagger]

Ministerial Portfolios

1999 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Lifelong Learning, Department for Education & Employment
2001 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work & Pensions
2003 Minister of State for Pensions, Department for Work & Pensions
2005 Minister of State for Energy, Department of Trade & Industry
2006 Minister of State for Science & Innovation, Department of Trade & Industry
2007-2009 Minister of State for Energy, Department of Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform
Malcolm is currently the Prime Minister's special representative on international energy issues.

Have we reached 2009 then or is he just ahead of his time?

http://www.malcolmwicks.org.uk/biography

No, he's going to be sacked after Christmas.