Moving to their own fuel resources would be a huge shift on their balance sheets.    Funny thing is, it's almost like flipping a switch... you are correct, the technology isn't new and this wouldn't be a big step for them. But the second they do it, they suddenly become entirely self sufficient and a major player in the global picture.   Imagine your credit score going from 500 to 800 overnight and your income going from poverty to 300,000 per year, as an individual. Suddenly