What Does It Mean To Say That We Have an “Inalienable Right To Energy?”

A reader comments:

I think the future of energy has two main components, one being the obvious move away from fossil fuels, and the advent of new technology in production. Energy generation has two models, one is proven and the technology already exists (but implementation is still immature) and the other is speculative notions of over unity or self-propelling energy generation. The proven new tech power generation models and implementation leads to my real point: many solid investment vehicles will be in this category.

Implementing recapturing and efficiency improving methods is the place to be right now for the most benefit to the investor and capitalist. Occasionally going after over unity and less certain technology breakthroughs should be secondary, but shouldn’t be completely omitted.

The only business plan I have now is one that says that I have enjoyed a lot of success as a tinkering inventor, and if you are aware of anyone that would want consultative services in overcoming barriers to success, feel free to direct them to me. If you know someone who just has more money than they know what to do with and would like to back me as an angel investor, of course that would be a dream come true, and something I would take very seriously… as anything less than energy as an inalienable human right is not justice.

I respond:  Thanks for this. I agree that efficiency solutions and proven clean energy technologies are good places to be right now financially.

I don’t believe in over-unity (i.e., perpetual motion), for the same reason I don’t in a great number of other things: there is no rational basis on which to hold such a belief.

It’s unclear what you mean by an “inalienable right to energy.” You’re right that energy is a part of all the basic components associated with human survival. We need the chemical energy in food, we need potable water that, in most cases, comes at the expense of a certain amount of energy. Even a minimal amount of protection from the elements in the form of clothing and shelter, and a basic level of healthcare, all have energy components as well. I will grant all human beings have inalienable rights to these items. Beyond that, however, it’s hard to make the case.