Another area fro future reduction in energy demandWon't bore anyone here with the history but suffice it to say that a Branch of my family moved in the 1800s to Kansas after it was opened up for Europeans to settle there after the Civil War and Treaties were signed with the various Indian tribes in the area. Some of this Branch of the family still live there as farmers.
I had the occasion to contact a cousin of mine due to a death in the family. After the usual "catch up" topics of conversation, we started talking about farming (which I know nothing about...lol). Anyway, he got talking about the fact that they were now using drones, sensors and AI on their farm. Now, this got my attention!! In short, he said that through the use of these techniques they are using about half the pesticides that they used to use since they can target the spraying to just where it is needed instead of spraying the whole field. This is saving them a lot of money. As well, the are using significantly less fuel to drive their tractors for fertilizing and pest control since the drones can do it. Plus they don't have to drive all over their farm to check on fencing since the drones can do it much more cheaply.
Following this conversation, I looked into this and sure enough there is lots literature on the internet about the significant energy savings from this technology. How much this will save world-wide in terms of a reduction of the demand for oil and NG, I have no idea. But it is for sure another item in a growing list of developments which over time which will future energy requirements.
Food for thought....pardon the pun...