Sweden plans to be world's first oil-free economy

[okieinpain]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/oil/story/0,,1704954,00.html

wow, I'm totally freakin impressed. wish we had vision like that.

[Deep13]

1. Swedes seem to have a model society. nt

[JudyM]

5. One of the lowest infant mortality rates, too. I've always thought about

moving there. I visited Stockholm several years ago and found the people there to be absolutely delightful.

[rogerashton]

2. When I went to Stockholm last summer,

I read somewhere that many of the busses run on ethanol made from Spanish wine, and could have, um, a distinct fragrance. Can't say i got a whiff.

Nice town, though.

[MsUSA]

3. a committee of industrialists, academics, farmers, car makers, civil serva

The attempt by the country of 9 million people to become the world's first practically oil-free economy is being planned by a committee of industrialists, academics, farmers, car makers, civil servants and others, who will report to parliament in several months.

Love this line, would that EVER happen here? ah, no, I don't think so.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/oil/story/0,,1704954,00.html

[applegrove]

4. Iceland too. They have tons of geo-thermal resources.

[Igel]

6. They're a lot closer to it than we are,

and I think many here would find their current state unpalatable. They have a big head start on us, and I think they'll have a tough go of it, they way they've outlined it. In any event, one of the goals should be France's: not just oil independence, but energy independence.

In the interest of a clearer view of Sweden's energy sources:

http://www.iea.org/Textbase/stats/PDF_graphs/SETPESPI.pdf handles all uses of energy, I think. 2003.

http://www.iea.org/Textbase/stats/PDF_graphs/SEPROD.pdf It's only up to 2003, but looks at energy generation (not transportation).

Sweden's transportation system can be rationalized, I think, far more easily than the US's (leading to reduced energy use for transportation). Combined with biodiesel and electric vehicles, it's possible.

[KamaAina]

7. So when do we invade?

Let's start now:

Freedom meatballs
Freedom pancakes
Freedom furniture (IKEA)

and of course, the Bushies' favorite...

Freedom porn!!!

[Vidar]

8. Way to go Sweden!

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

9. That can't be true. They're dirty socialists and they liberate porn.

Therefore, it must be hell on earth. :sarcasm:

[okieinpain]

11. so true, that is what an american christian would say.

[Kber]

10. Iceland may beat them to it.

But kudos for Sweden, esp considering that oil makes up a measurable percentage of their exports (or am I thinking of Norway?)