Alternative Energy x-Prize

Comments made at Tun's page as well.

The recent increase in petrol / diesel prices and re-structuring of the oil prices have left most reeling with shock. Even though expected, Malaysians being largely insulated from the petrol price increase in other countries took it for granted that we will be continuously protected. Kind of foolish perception on our part.

But the thing is the most important crisis in this time will not go away so long as the energy demand stays. So why havent everyone been talking about the most obvious? Alternative energy sources?

Can Malaysia take a lead in getting the research for alternative energy source instead of saying it's someone else's problem. No one is willing to take the lead. Why not try something like what the Ansari X Prize did in getting private commercial space flight a reality?

This is what I suggest.

Malaysia take the lead and offer to buy alternative non fossil fuel technology from any inventor for EUR 1billion (since we cant trust dollars). Frankly we probably wont have to pay up as I am sure that other countries (see Japan / China) will up the ante to a couple more billion.

Either that or Malaysia lead in setting up the alternative Energy prize. Other countries can contribute and the intellectual property for the invention once bought from the inventor will be set on the world as free to download and use. Freeware!

How's that for having a role in saving the mankind from its excesses. For sure world recognition.

Would Malaysian leaders have the courage to do this? The need is obvious but the courage to execute is always lacking.