Your point is well made. Many on this board wondered about the breakeven for CTL when compared to oil (its about $55 p/b). But, as you aptly point out, that is not the point. Dependence on foreign sources for oil is the issue. And, while we hear about the need to drill offshore and should. If we do not, with the new and getting newer drilling techniques, others can reach what should be ours by drilling sideways and down. But, that might be TMI...
Still, not much going on, as we all await some news...sooner, the better. However, there is some news that is worth sharing, as it relates to your point...
According to some information I have been reading, the International Energy Agency has said "the world will need to invest $26 Trillion in global energy infrastructure just to keep the current level of production."
However, with the continued and expected increasing demands from China, India, and other developing nations, the demand will increase. This means that the cost for oil will rise, inexorably; unless the basic laws of economics are suspended.
Which brings us back to our interest in NSOL. It is clear that ethanol is not sustainable. The subsidies our politicians have pork-barrelled into law are foolish in the long run. Corn based ethanol pollutes as much as gas, and it drives the cost for corn up; which makes it difficult for nations depending on corn as a food to compete for the commodity. While CTL is not expected to be the replacement for oil because coal has limited reserves, it remains viable for the short term future; as do the other prospects (garbage, tires, switchgrass, sugarcane, etc).
So, a final word about NSOL. As a long term investor, I would like to see some movement in the company. Announcing a new CEO would be a good start. But, there needs to be more. What that more is...well, it could be many things. But, it needs to be something.
Finally, this is simply a rant, not a pump. If you want to take this as a reason to invest more, do not. What I will say is that this thing has legs. But, I want to hear that from the new CEO and I want to hear his/her strategic vision that should include a discussion of scenarios for success. I would say, this should happen before the year's end...
