Renewable energy and global emission targets are under a serious threat as the global shale oil industry is expanding with an incredible speed. According to a new report by consultancy firm PwC, by 2035 shale oil could account for 12 per cent of the global energy production, and cause a drop in oil prices down to $50 per barrel.
The consequences to the environment might be irreversible. The low oil prices might extend the production and make alternative low carbon technologies a lot less attractive, according to Jonathan Grant, director of sustainability and climate change at PwC.
The report also points out that cheaper oil would result in displacement of production from higher cost and environmentally sensitive areas. In addition, only tax windfalls would be able to provide funding for carbon capture, storage and low carbon technologies.
The numbers indicate that the global GDP could increase by $2,7tr with up to 40% drop in oil prices. Shale oil production could increase UK’s GDP by 3.3%, China could note up to 3% increase, for the The U.S the GDP could raise by 4.7%, while in India this number could reach up to 7.3%, by the year 2035.
However, as Grant points out, such scenario will result in a reduction of investments towards renewable energy projects, increased mobility due to low oil prices and consequently a substantial increase in carbon emissions.
For the period between 2004 and 2011, the U.S. reports an increase in shale oil production from 111,000 barrels per day to 553,000, meaning an annual growth rate of 26%. Globally, the industry is still picking up, however many great economy powers are already exploring its potential.
The UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change claims that currently there is no estimate of potential reserves in the UK, and there are no explorations taking place.
This statement, however, does not stop environmental campaigners to plea against digging into any shale oil reserves. Doug Parr, chief scientist at Greenpeace, comments that such activities could only have a negative impact on the global economy of climate change. Tony Bosworth, energy campaigner at Friends of the Earth, came with a similar warning, saying that fraking is a threat to the environment and governmental subsidies should be directed to green technologies instead.
On the other hand, the supporters of the idea, however, are certain that this fuel source could actually contribute to net carbon savings, because it could replace coal.
The report raises awareness and points out that asking to leave fossil fuel reserves untouched is not a winning strategy. Fraking technology is still highly controversial, however based on previous experience, it is obvious that any reserve of fossil fuel will be extracted at any cost.
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4046 total comments so far. What's your opinion ?
Ya! - no deal! We need to use our own natural resources and do it responsibly. Both from the angle of the consumer and to be "Green Earth Friends" (I just saw that term in an article and I like it - it was called "Environment Clean Up Guru, Ami Adini & Associates, Warns on Green Awareness vs US Oil Exploration"). Anyway, we need to look out for the USA - we need to keep our resources!!!
Why should we, the US allow Canada to run a pipeline across America and then sell the refined gas to Europe and Asia for $6 to $8 a gallon. No Deal!!!!!!!
This would be a concern,if it wasn't an attempt to blind too the imminent hyper inflation of the US dollar.Petro dollar diversions are nothing new-and "new source"speculations are plan A of them.Where for instance is the water for this coming from?A fuller description of what is actually about is to be found in Marsen's-'stupid to the last drop'.Follow this up with inquires as to why and whom keep our crapmobiles at 2% thermal efficency,and why hybrids that can drive 20 miles on ev alone have oil mafias so afraid.The other item of the 'save the dollar' plan, with keystone pipeline is the US wants Canada to have NO capacity to refine the crap coming out of the tar sands,into useable fuel.Thus if we want to use it-its at their terms and price.So the dollars demise can be posponed a bit longer.Thus If your plans rest on horses singing-best to have REALLY stupid neibours-Oh Canaduh!
