I wrote:
> I predict that eventually this process will produce oil more cheaply than > digging it out of the ground and shipping it long distances. It will also > be safer. > I do not mean right away, or even 10 years after cold fusion becomes common. I suppose it will be gradual. After decades the use of natural oil from the ground will fade away, and petrochemical feedstocks for plastics will all be made from local organic waste, or coal. Thermal depolymerization calls for heat (obviously). Hot water. You can have unlimited amounts of hot water with cold fusion at no cost. As I said, the raw materials cost less than nothing. You might earn as much getting rid of them as you earn by selling the petrochemicals. You could convert garbage and sewage to oil and sterile fertilizer, which would be used in food factories. In the long term, I do not see how oil can compete with that. I have heard there are some fractions of oil (some petrochemicals) that cannot be synthesized today. However, I expect that problem will be solved. - Jed
