# $4 Per Gallon Gas = Energy Innovation  How about $5 Per Gallon?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/11/4-per-gallon-gas-energy-innovation-how-about-5-per-gallon/
- Published: 2018-11-25T01:15:27-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

#### **_Why Oil Companies Love Expensive Gas Will Be _****_The Fuel That Drives Innovations in Alternative Energy_**

Long lines at the gas pump weren’t the only product of the twin energy crises with
oil companies of the 1970s. A legislative push toward energy conservation and innovation
were also born as a result.

#### Hence And that’s why one expert believes the skyrocketing price of oil will do the same.

⌊40 percent of energy. Consumed for Residential and commercial⌉⌊40 percent of energy.
Consumed for Residential and commercial⌉
 “History has proven that innovation in
the energy industry has almost always been driven by high consumer prices,” said
Robert Brands, a veteran corporate executive who now consults with companies worldwide
and author of _Robert’s Rules of Innovation_** ****(**[http://www.robertsrulesofinnovation.com](http://www.robertsrulesofinnovation.com)).“
When we had cheap and abundant oil – and low gas prices – during the 1980s,[ energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/10-largest-wind-project-development-2022/)
exploration and innovation slowed to a halt. We didn’t need it, and we didn’t see
an end in sight to the steady stream of oil from the Middle East. So, investors 
held back funds for new technologies, oil companies stood pat and conservation became
a four-letter word.”

#### According to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy, more than $172 billion dollars of government money was spent on new energy technology between 1961 and 2008, with the bulk of it being used during the 1970s. In the 1980s, the spending accounted for only 1 percent of all federal investment.

Brands believes that oil companies, besieged by Congress over taking huge tax breaks
amid record profit reports, could earn some much needed political points by taking
history’s cue and putting some of that money back into energy innovations.

“When you look at the broad spectrum of what the oil companies are making and compare
it to the rate of innovation in alternative energy.  Hence it’s like comparing Mount
Kilimanjaro to a grape,” Brands said. “Now, most consumers aren’t aware of that 
truth.  Cause oil companies and ad agencies are very good at making it look like
alternative energy is humming along when it’s not.

All the while consumers may will connect those dots. Especially now they are very
aware of the headlines. Those that show record oil company profits combined with
massive tax breaks.

#### That’s especially during a time when federal deficits are threatening them, their children and their children’s children.

Today’s energy [innovation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/doe-offers-12-million-to-spur-solar-energy-innovation/)
is a fraction of the total and what should be spend. What’s more, the same old song
and dance the oil companies.”  You know that half ass offer with regard to touring
how much of a percentage their research and development expenditures are as compared
to revenue is a joke. And absolutely no guarantee of success.

#### Brands wants oil companies to become energy companies and spark innovation.

Also not only because of the positive press it will net, but also because it’s the
right thing to do. So let’s be real.  As we might know, many scientists are beginning
to calculate an end to the [fossil fuel](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/05/5-areas-where-you-can-switch-to-alternate-sources-of-energy-and-happily-avoid-fossil-fuels/)
era. “That’s because one day, we will run out,” Brands added. “Innovation in this
area has been driven by high prices and it has been driven by shortages. When we
begin to run out, we’ll experience both, and it will be too late to innovate. We
need to do it now, when our [resources](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/dfw-airport-partners-with-epa-to-save-energy-and-resources/)
to commit to it are abundant.”

**Source: **[News and Experts](https://newsandexperts.com/)