Ignoring the fact that some form of energy is required for life to form, we now know about enough different ways for energy generated inside the Earth to allow life to form in a multitude of ways. Given that, some form of life probably exists on more planets than any conceivable numeric value. Changing the basic life forms through evolution is the result of complex changes in the structure of the Earth and its atmosphere, and whether any other planet, even if identical to the Earth and its relationship to the Sun, would ever develop beings capable of wondering about questions like this is very uncertain, and the probability is probably close to the vanishing point, so that at any given time there might be no more than one "conscious" and "slightly technologically advanced" lifeform in ours or any similar galaxy. However, given the vast number of galaxies, it is certain that there must be millions or billions of "advanced" civilizations in the Universe at any given time; the main problem being that none of them are likely to last long enough to ever become aware of the existence of any other such civilization.

To summarize, regardless of any roadblocks placed in its way by energy considerations such as you posit, life itself is undoubtedly extremely common, but life advanced enough to contact other civilizations probably doesn't have any other civilizations close enough to ever allow "contact".

You struggle mightily to ignore the clear implications of your analysis ie a Creator.

Ross Jones With all due respect, this is an educational discussion, focused on objective and practical matters. It’s not intended to delve into imaginary concepts or religious aspects in any capacity.