Shale Oil
Shale oil is a type of unconventional oil which is produced from sedimentary rocks, primarily from shale. It is considered an important source of domestic energy in a number of countries due to its abundance and relatively low cost of extraction. The process of extraction of shale oil is known as “shale oil extraction” and involves a number of steps including drilling, fracturing, and steam injection.
The extraction process begins with the selection of the right kind of shale rocks. This can vary depending on the surrounding geology as different rocks possess different oil-producing potential. The shale is then drilled into and fractured to create pathways allowing the oil to travel to the surface. The resulting “fracking fluids” of the fracturing process contain a mixture of shale oil and natural gas, which is then collected by a well. From there, steam injection is used to help move the oil to the surface, and it can then be processed and separated into crude oil components and natural gas.
Shale oil has been used for many years as an important energy source for a number of countries, especially those located in the US. The abundance of shale resources in the US and the relatively low cost of extraction have made shale oil a viable energy source for the United States and other countries as well. In global oil production, US shale oil production has increased significantly in the past decade, representing almost 10% of the world’s total oil production in 2014.
One of the main advantages of shale oil production is that it has a significantly lower greenhouse gas emission rate than traditional oil extraction methods. This is due to the shale oil extraction process not requiring as much energy input as more traditional methods. For example, the burning of coal or natural gas to create steam used in traditional extraction processes creates significantly more emissions. Additionally, the processing of shale oil creates less waste than traditional methods, as the shale is processed and separated into two components, leaving very little waste product.
Despite the potential reasons for its use, the production of shale oil has received a fair amount of criticism. Some of the main criticisms are that shale oil production can cause pollution of groundwater resources and disruption of natural landscapes. Because it requires large amounts of water and fracturing, shale oil production has the potential to contaminate water sources and cause seismic activity. Additionally, organizations such as the Sierra Club have raised concerns about the potential risks of fracking and the possibility of increased air, water, and noise pollution.
Despite the criticisms and environmental concerns, it is important to recognize the potential benefits of shale oil for the US and other countries. Shale oil production can provide a source of domestic energy that is much less expensive than traditional sources and can reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, it can reduce the US’ dependence on other countries for its energy supplies. One of the most important steps in ensuring that these benefits are realized is for policymakers and producers to implement responsible approaches to shale oil production that minimize the potential risks and maximize the potential benefits.
