Grave New World Of Energy
By: 
Energy used to be something we took for granted in the U.S.; it was cheap, accessible and plentiful. Now, energy seems precious, complicated and fractious, a chip in the high-stakes game of geopolitics.
These days, there's so much noise around energy: the post-9/11 terror premium; speculators distorting prices in the futures market; OPEC playing games with supply; and politicians preaching about energy independence.
Energy is now integral to the wealth of a nation. Its transformational powers can be seen in Norway to Angola, where crude oil is a recent blessing.
In the U.S., energy is a case of vanishing riches, missed opportunities — yet endless potential. Energy policy drifts, subject to short-term, not long-term considerations.
At the same time, multi-nationals and entrepreneurs are scrambling to make the most out of alternative fuels and energy-efficient technology, from hydrogen-powered autos to coal-based ethanol to energy storage. Companies from retailers to semiconductor manufacturers are embracing conservation and sustainability.
Others are trying to reshape consumer behavior with products such as solar roofs, super-efficient appliances and high-mileage vehicles.
The payoffs are many, whether it is saving money on everyday energy consumption and redirecting it into investment, or creating well-paying, high-skill green jobs and exportable technology.
Our special report, "Energy & You", covers all this ground and more.
