Large amounts of new energy supplies will potentially come from non-traditional technologies and regions. Over the past decade enormous developments have taken place with focus on shale oil & gas and tight oil or ultra-deep-water and many more projects are underway. Meanwhile, there are other sources that have massive potential. A World Energy Council survey estimates that at least 4.8 trillion barrels of oil shale is available (based on 40 countries), which is three times as high as the consumed 1.3 trillion barrels of oil so far. Further out methane hydrates may be referred to as the largest unknown in terms of resource potential. Meanwhile, in a low price environment many promising explorations have slowed or halted, including in East-Africa or the Arctic.
Questions
- What are the next hydrocarbon frontiers?
- How much is not going to be used if proven reserves are 2.8 times greater than the carbon budget? Is the next frontier even relevant?
- Given a context with more active investors, who will drive progress in developing the next game changer in hydrocarbons?
Background Reading
