Renewables: Don't Expect Natural Growth Characteristics in Markets with Hidden Forces

My post on Moore’s Law earlier in the week got picked up at CleanTechies.com, we’re there has been some interesting discussion.  In particular, one really bright gentleman debated some of the mathematics of exponential growth. 

To me, however, the issue is less academic.  I think the overriding issue here is not Moore’s Law as it applies to the development of technology in a free, market-driven world that genuinely has an appetitite.  Unless I’m quite wrong here, the migration to renewables will continue to be hamstrung by the forces that are far more powerful coming from big money and politics:  subsidies, political favors, etc. 

Why don’t we in the US have a federal energy policy that firmly takes us towards health, safety, and sustainability?  Are we to suppose that this is an accident?  No, there are enormously powerful forces behind our actions (or lack thereof) — forces that trump the natural tendencies that may exist within free markets.

Does this sound like an unfair accusation?  Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of those 7000 lobbyists who work for the oil industry?