A major theme that emerges from the reading ‘After Oil’ is the concept of renewable forms of energy. The Petrocultures Research Group explores alternative forms of energy that existed before oil and those that might emerge. There has been a transition from fossil fuels to renewables as society continues to globalize and battles the challenges of climate change. The renewable energy revolution is discernible in the National Museum of Qatar. NMoQ affirms that it is possible to switch to renewable energy sources to improve the quality of life. The issue of energy efficiency emerges and shows the dedication of NMoQ to inform the public about the history of oil and its significance in society. NMoQ has an energy playground in its museum gardens, which offers a unique experience for families to explore and discover issues related to energy, especially oil. Visitors can engage in intergenerational kinetic play activities, which offer lessons on the extraction and manufacture of oil. Importantly, it outlines the benefits and negativities that arise from oil. The boom of the oil industry had a significant effect on the modernization of Qatar. Even so, it has environmental consequences, hence the need for alternative energy sources. In this case, the energy playground is an educational and entertainment setting that helps respond to issues related to oil, which Petrocultures Research Group explore in their reading.
Even so, it is important to understand that without oil, Qatar might not have been where it is economically or politically. Qatar realized its national vision through the production and exportation of oil. Learning about the history of Qatar’s oil exploration is necessary to understand the dynamics of oil discussed in ‘After Oil’. This is important to understand the relationship between energy corporations, governments, and technology companies. TOTAL, one of the leading energy companies, is the sponsor of the Energy Playground. Through the Energy Playground, it is possible to understand the technologies that oil companies use to minimize their impact on the environment. Apart from the energy playground, NMoQ has an energy-efficient design. NMoQ has a commitment to keep it green and promote efficient sources of energy. This is discernible right from its ‘desert rose’ design. The design insulates the façade of the building and helps in the conservation of water and energy used for cooling. The shade from the desert rose is necessary to protect the building from direct sunlight, which might result in the use of excessive power for cooling during the summer. In addition, numerous bicycle tracks allow visitors to navigate the expansive site. It also encourages the use of electrical vehicles and other eco-friendly vehicles.
Overall, energy efficiency is a significant consideration today. The Energy Playground at the NMoQ is a great location to educate families and visitors on the history of oil, its significance, and its prospects. Petrocultures Research Group explores the same concepts in the discussion ‘After Oil’. Through this, it is possible to understand the factors that triggered the transition from fossil fuel to oil and alternative energy sources. Knowledge of the political actors involved and their motivations to engage in the oil industry is useful in determining the future of energy.
Bibliography
Genetic Engineering Technologies and Contracting. National Museum of Qatar – NMoQ
Energy Playground – Design and Build. GET. 2019.
Petrocultures Research Group. After Oil. Edmonton. 2016.
Qatar Museums. Sustainable from the Start: NMoQ’s Award-Winning Design. 15 July 2021
