Hey, the greatest acomplishments of science have come in baby steps. Look @ the electron discovered in 1897, had zero practical applications @ first. But, without them I couldn't so much as enjoy an iced tea in July (the whole refridgeration process). And I sure as hell couldn't post this.
Now if only we could just sidle on up to our cars and let 'er rip... Total energy independence if we can grow enough frijoles.