Not what I myself have today. No.
However, on the news just now, Statoil have exposed the possible existence of a thick layer of coal underneath our major oil fields. About three times as much energy stored than oil reservoirs found so far. About 3.000 billion tons. More than the estimate by British BP on world availability, estimated at 900 billion tons. Absurd.
Bugger. Does this mean Norway can just float on money for another hundred years? Bellona, a powerful anti-pollution society, are positive that the reserves can be exploited safe and clean. Bellona is a major lobbyist towards major companies, using hard science and cutting edge ideas within a capitalist framework. Well then, as this project is heavily dependent upon implementing CO-handling, novel ways of extraction and advanced infrastructure building on an already vaste resource base - this might be a real x-mas present for future generations.
Will we become dormant yet again after a short burst of innovation? How can we find goals to invest in, outside the handling, processing and refinement of coal? I mean, which benefits can we reap from what we are now to begin? How far into the future must we now begin to plan for?
Just so that it is said: Norway already have a lot of money in the Petroleum Fund. About 200 billion USD net invested over the last 15 years. Thats... about 44.000 USD per head. No, as individuals we never see these money. Future commitments for social benefits amount to about four times the current value of this fund. Unless the fund keeps growing for a good while, those commitments cannot be reached with a standard of living equal to that of today. Actually it is a real challenge how to invest even the interests without causing inflation. A luxury problem, yes. It does not make Norway a more effective or ambitious country when it comes to social rights, even if these are preserved.
My hope is that our investments will mean real gains in the quality of life far outside Norway. In the long term this will benefit Norway enormously. In the short perspective this must mean a willingness to share more. Sacrifices... hah. There are no sacrifices if you already have what is necessary for a society where one have the opportunity to be free and happy.
Three times as much coal than oil. That is just absurd.
