[bryanlarsen]

> That entire talk didn't once mention the phrase "energy density" which is the real reason we rely so heavily on hydrocarbons.

For planes. For no other major use of hydrocarbons is it the primary concern.

[jandrese]

Transatlantic shipping also. Planes require highly refined fuel though, while ships can burn most anything flammable, even really crappy biofuels. Hardly anything is worse than heavy fuel oil.

[bryanlarsen]

Different types of density. Transatlantic shipping cares primarily about volumetric density, air travel cares primarily about gravimetric density.

So we can both be correct since OP was not specific. :)