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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

AAPG FOUNDATION PRATT II CONFERENCE "PETROLEUM PROVINCES of the 21st CENTURY"
January 12-15, 2000
San Diego, California

Abstract: TWENTY FIRST CENTURY ENERGY DECLINE OF FOSSIL FUELS INCREASE OF RENEWABLE NON-POLLUTING ENERGY SOURCES

John D.Edwards, Energy and Minerals Applied Research Center,University of Colorado,Department of Geological Sciences,Campus Box 399, Boulder,CO.80309,email:edwards @emarc.colorado.edu.

The world must prepare for the transition to renewable non-polluting energy sources to ensure the continuous flow of energy to the world ’s increasing population and expanding economies.World oil supply will meet demand until the peak plateau of world oil production is reached which is estimated to be between the years of 2010 and 2030. Ultimate oil recovery will range from a conservative 2700 GBO (billion barrels oil)or an optimistic 3640 GBO (billion barrels oil). Declining production after peak oil production occurs will cause a global energy Previous HitgapNext Hit to develop because energy demand will continue to grow. This energy Previous HitgapTop can be avoided by forward planning. Energy conservation, improved energy efficiency, expanded production of unconventional oil and conversion of natural gas to liquids will help extend the time of peak oil production. The long-term solution to energy supply is conversion to renewable, non-polluting energy sources, which include, solar, nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, biomass and hydrogen. Solar, nuclear and hydrogen should become major power source in the 21st century.

©Copyright 1999. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.