[lm28469]

> It was viable technology!

Both were viable, one was much more easily developed. We can talk viability all day long, sadly it's history and there isn't much to discuss.

Solar panels are also viable and cheap right now, yet we don't use them much. Something existing and working doesn't mean it scales as easily as the alternatives.

If electricity storage is still a problem in 2022 you can imagine that it would be extremely hard in 1922. You can store gas in a bucket if needs be

[calvano915]

The viability was not properly assessed in regards to externalities of the targeted tech. Climate change, security related to oil, etc was not properly priced in.

[ben_w]

I think everyone who had a vote in 1922 and thought “Climate change? That won’t affect me!” (and almost everyone who also said “or my children or grandchildren”) would have been correct.

What are we doing wrong today with that level of disregard for things that may affect our great-great-grandchildren, and why?