Topic 2: Fossil Fuels

Topic 2: Fossil Fuels

Unit 6Unit 6

fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and nuclear fuels.

fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and nuclear fuels.

Nonrenewable Energy

CoalCoal

the buried remains of land plants that lived 300-400 million years ago.

It took a lot of heat, pressure, and time.

the buried remains of land plants that lived 300-400 million years ago.

It took a lot of heat, pressure, and time.

Types of CoalTypes of Coal

COALCOAL Coal reserves could last hundreds to over a thousand years. The U.S. has 27% of the world’s proven coal reserves, followed by Russia (17%), and China (13%).

In 2005, China and the U.S. accounted for 53% of the global coal consumption.

Coal reserves could last hundreds to over a thousand years. The U.S. has 27% of the world’s proven coal reserves, followed by Russia (17%), and China (13%).

In 2005, China and the U.S. accounted for 53% of the global coal consumption.

COALCOAL

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel

Extraction has a high environmental impact

Burning releases lots of CO2 into the troposphere, plus sulfur dioxide and mercury

Also, negative side effects for human health (asthma, mercury poisoning)

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel

Extraction has a high environmental impact

Burning releases lots of CO2 into the troposphere, plus sulfur dioxide and mercury

Also, negative side effects for human health (asthma, mercury poisoning)

Waste heat

Coal bunker TurbineCooling tower

transfers waste heat to

atmosphere

Generator

Cooling loop

Stack

Pulverizing mill

Condenser Filter

Boiler

Toxic ash disposal

EmissionsEmissions

NOx

SO2

Nitrate and sulfate particulates

Carbon ash Mercury

NOx

SO2

Nitrate and sulfate particulates

Carbon ash Mercury

Methods for dealing with emissions

Methods for dealing with emissions

Scrubbers, etc.

Scrubbers, etc.

OILOIL Crude oil (a component of petroleum) is a thick liquid containing hydrocarbons

It’s extracted from underground deposits. Formed from marine (mostly) microorganisms under intense pressure and heat

Crude oil (a component of petroleum) is a thick liquid containing hydrocarbons

It’s extracted from underground deposits. Formed from marine (mostly) microorganisms under intense pressure and heat

Crude OilCrude Oil Only 35-50% can be economically recovered from a deposit.

Only 35-50% can be economically recovered from a deposit.

As prices rise, about 10-25% more can be recovered from expensive secondary extraction techniques

As prices rise, about 10-25% more can be recovered from expensive secondary extraction techniques

This lowers the net energy yield. This lowers the net energy yield.

Geochemists are working on using microorganisms to increase flow of heavy oil this may increase economically recoverable yields to 75%

Geochemists are working on using microorganisms to increase flow of heavy oil this may increase economically recoverable yields to 75%

Refining crude oil: Based on boiling points, components are removed at various layers in a giant distillation column.

The most volatile components with the lowest boiling points are removed at the top.

Refining crude oil: Based on boiling points, components are removed at various layers in a giant distillation column.

The most volatile components with the lowest boiling points are removed at the top.

Fig. 15-4b, p. 375

Oil Refinery

Global OilGlobal Oil Thirteen OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting

Countries) countries have at least 60% of the world’s proven oil reserves and most of the world’s unproven reserves. Member countries: Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq,

Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela.

OPEC supplies most of the world with oil, thus politics are heavily influenced by the oil market.

After global production peaks and begins a slow decline, oil prices will rise and could threaten the economies of countries that have not shifted to new energy alternatives.

Geologists expect global peak production to occur in 5-38 years, depending on their computer models.

Thirteen OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) countries have at least 60% of the world’s proven oil reserves and most of the world’s unproven reserves. Member countries: Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq,

Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela.

OPEC supplies most of the world with oil, thus politics are heavily influenced by the oil market.

After global production peaks and begins a slow decline, oil prices will rise and could threaten the economies of countries that have not shifted to new energy alternatives.

Geologists expect global peak production to occur in 5-38 years, depending on their computer models.

U.S. Oil SuppliesU.S. Oil Supplies The U.S. – the world’s largest oil user – has only 2.4% of the world’s proven oil reserves.

U.S oil production peaked in 1974.

The US imports about 60% of our oil, 70% by 2020

About 60% of these U.S oil imports goes through refineries in hurricane-prone regions of the Gulf Coast.

The U.S. – the world’s largest oil user – has only 2.4% of the world’s proven oil reserves.

U.S oil production peaked in 1974.

The US imports about 60% of our oil, 70% by 2020

About 60% of these U.S oil imports goes through refineries in hurricane-prone regions of the Gulf Coast.

ANWR Case StudyANWR Case Study

Arctic tundraArctic tundra

What is another side to the story?

What is another side to the story?

Arctic Power, an organization that says opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling would provide jobs and energy, and would not harm the caribou herds, promotes drilling in the Refuge.

The following clip is narrated by an Inupiak man who lives in the small town of Kaktovik in the coastal area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

http://www.anwr.org/flash.htm

Arctic Power, an organization that says opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling would provide jobs and energy, and would not harm the caribou herds, promotes drilling in the Refuge.

The following clip is narrated by an Inupiak man who lives in the small town of Kaktovik in the coastal area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

http://www.anwr.org/flash.htm

What will happen if ANWR is developed by the oil

industry?

What will happen if ANWR is developed by the oil

industry? Construction and use of:

drilling sites, airstrips, Housing Pipelines and storage facilities

Increased air traffic Seismic surveying

Construction and use of: drilling sites, airstrips, Housing Pipelines and storage facilities

Increased air traffic Seismic surveying

Who has a stake in the future of ANWR?

Who has a stake in the future of ANWR?

Who would benefit from opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling?

Who might be harmed by it?

Who would benefit from opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling?

Who might be harmed by it?

Another oil controversy…Another oil controversy…

How Long Will the Oil Party Last?

How Long Will the Oil Party Last?

Saudi Arabia could supply the world with oil for about 10 years.

Alaska’s North Slope could meet the world oil demand for 6 months (U.S.: 3 years).

Alaska’s ANWR would meet the world demand for 1-5 months (U.S.: 7-25 months).

Saudi Arabia could supply the world with oil for about 10 years.

Alaska’s North Slope could meet the world oil demand for 6 months (U.S.: 3 years).

Alaska’s ANWR would meet the world demand for 1-5 months (U.S.: 7-25 months).

How Long Will the Oil Party Last?

How Long Will the Oil Party Last?

three options: Look for more oil.

Use or waste less oil.

Use something else.

three options: Look for more oil.

Use or waste less oil.

Use something else.

Figure Figure 16-116-1

OILOIL

Burning oil for transportation accounts for 43% of global CO2 emissions.

Burning oil for transportation accounts for 43% of global CO2 emissions.

Heavy Oils:Oil Sands

Heavy Oils:Oil Sands

Oil sands (a.k.a. tar sands) contain a thick and sticky heavy oil called bitumen.

Oil sands (a.k.a. tar sands) contain a thick and sticky heavy oil called bitumen.

Oil SandsOil Sands Alberta, Canada has 75% of the world’s known reserves of oil sands. Remaining 25% in Venezuela, Colombia, Russia, & Utah

Canadian & Venezuelan deposits exceed conventional oil deposits in Saudi Arabia and approach those of the entire Middle East.

In 2003, geologists started counting Canadian oil sands along with conventional reserves, giving Canada 15% of the world’s known reserves of crude oil.

China has invested in 2 Canadian oil sand companies, and has built a pipeline from Alberta to shipping ports on the Pacific Coast.

Alberta, Canada has 75% of the world’s known reserves of oil sands. Remaining 25% in Venezuela, Colombia, Russia, & Utah

Canadian & Venezuelan deposits exceed conventional oil deposits in Saudi Arabia and approach those of the entire Middle East.

In 2003, geologists started counting Canadian oil sands along with conventional reserves, giving Canada 15% of the world’s known reserves of crude oil.

China has invested in 2 Canadian oil sand companies, and has built a pipeline from Alberta to shipping ports on the Pacific Coast.

Oil SandsOil Sands Producing crude oil from oil sands currently

costs $13 per barrel, compared to $1-2 per barrel for Saudi oil and $7.50-$10 per barrel in the US.

Severe environmental impacts from oil sands:– Uses large volumes of water– Huge amounts of toxic sludge– Large inputs of natural gas– Boreal forest turned to “moonscape”– Massive mounds of toxic tailings

Heavy Oils:Oil ShalesHeavy Oils:Oil ShalesOil shales contain a waxy, solid,combustible mixture of hydrocarbons called kerogen.

Oil shales contain a waxy, solid,combustible mixture of hydrocarbons called kerogen.

can be heated to yield a distillate called shale oil.

Oil ShalesOil Shales 50% of global oil shale reserves are in the Western

US (USA: “the Saudi Arabia of oil shale”)– Green River Formation in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado– Potentially 3x Saudi conventional oil reserves– Could meet current US demands for 110 years.

Estimated global supplies are about 240x global conventional supplies.– Could meet 25% of global demand by 2020– Low grade deposits– Energy, time, and money to convert to crude oil– Higher environmental impact than conventional oil extraction

Heavy OilsHeavy Oils

It takes about 1.8 metric tons (2 US tons) of oil sand or shale to produce one barrel of oil.

It takes about 1.8 metric tons (2 US tons) of oil sand or shale to produce one barrel of oil.

NATURAL GASNATURAL GAS Consists mostly of methane and is often found above reservoirs of crude oil.

Formed from the remains of aquatic microorganisms under intense heat and pressure (even greater heat than oil)

When a natural gas-field is tapped, propane and butane gasses are liquefied and removed as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Methane is distributed through pressurized pipe lines as a gas or super-condensed to a liquid (LNG).

Consists mostly of methane and is often found above reservoirs of crude oil.

Formed from the remains of aquatic microorganisms under intense heat and pressure (even greater heat than oil)

When a natural gas-field is tapped, propane and butane gasses are liquefied and removed as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Methane is distributed through pressurized pipe lines as a gas or super-condensed to a liquid (LNG).

Fracking articleFracking article Industry scientists call the possibility of groundwater contamination by fracking operations “highly improbable” based on their data. Why is their data questionable?

What kinds of substances are in flowback water?

What are some precautions being used when dealing with the waste flowback water?

What are some examples of mismanagement of flowback water and other negative impacts of the fracking process on groundwater?

Industry scientists call the possibility of groundwater contamination by fracking operations “highly improbable” based on their data. Why is their data questionable?

What kinds of substances are in flowback water?

What are some precautions being used when dealing with the waste flowback water?

What are some examples of mismanagement of flowback water and other negative impacts of the fracking process on groundwater?

Hydraulic fracturingHydraulic fracturing

Traditional New

Traditional New

Associated water issues

•Groundwater contamination

•Surface water contamination

•Excessive water use

Other environmental issuesOther environmental issues

Habitat destruction Earthquakes Methane leakage Subsidence of land Soil salinization or heavy metal build-up

Habitat destruction Earthquakes Methane leakage Subsidence of land Soil salinization or heavy metal build-up

Economic benefits of fracking

Economic benefits of fracking

Domestic energy source Job creation Individuals’ economic gains through land leasing

Domestic energy source Job creation Individuals’ economic gains through land leasing

NATURAL GASNATURAL GAS Russia and Iran have almost half of the world’s reserves of conventional gas, and global reserves should last 62-125 years. Russia is the “Saudi Arabia of natural gas”

Natural gas is a versatile and clean-burning fuel, but it releases the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (when burned) and methane (from leaks) into the troposphere. Methane is 25x more potent greenhouse gas than CO2

Russia and Iran have almost half of the world’s reserves of conventional gas, and global reserves should last 62-125 years. Russia is the “Saudi Arabia of natural gas”

Natural gas is a versatile and clean-burning fuel, but it releases the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (when burned) and methane (from leaks) into the troposphere. Methane is 25x more potent greenhouse gas than CO2

NATURAL GASNATURAL GAS USA- imports 20% of its natural gas 95% of US imports are from Canada

imports from Russia and the Middle east are expected to increase

Transported as LNG (liquefied natural gas)

USA- imports 20% of its natural gas 95% of US imports are from Canada

imports from Russia and the Middle east are expected to increase

Transported as LNG (liquefied natural gas)

Natural Gas Pipeline Distribution

Natural Gas Pipeline Distribution

Natural gas from oil wells far from gas distribution systems is “flared off” rather than release CH4

Natural gas from oil wells far from gas distribution systems is “flared off” rather than release CH4

Unconventional Natural GasUnconventional Natural Gas Coal bed methane

Trapped by overlying aquifers Released for extraction by pumping out water

depletes aquifers releases CH4

produces huge volumes of contaminated water degrades land with extraction infrastructure (pipes, sludge pits, etc.)

Controversy: Opposed by ranchers, farmers, anglers, hunters, conservationists

Defended by energy companies: Reduces dependence on Canadian & eventually Russian CH4

Produces less CO2 than coal and oil sands

Coal bed methane Trapped by overlying aquifers Released for extraction by pumping out water

depletes aquifers releases CH4

produces huge volumes of contaminated water degrades land with extraction infrastructure (pipes, sludge pits, etc.)

Controversy: Opposed by ranchers, farmers, anglers, hunters, conservationists

Defended by energy companies: Reduces dependence on Canadian & eventually Russian CH4

Produces less CO2 than coal and oil sands

Unconventional Natural GasUnconventional Natural Gas

Methane hydrates- methane trapped in ice crystals deep under the arctic permafrost and beneath deep-ocean sediments

1% of US deposits could double our domestic supply of natural gas

“Leaks” when brought to surface Extraction could cause sea bed landslides/ tsunamis

Methane hydrates- methane trapped in ice crystals deep under the arctic permafrost and beneath deep-ocean sediments

1% of US deposits could double our domestic supply of natural gas

“Leaks” when brought to surface Extraction could cause sea bed landslides/ tsunamis

Unconventional Natural Gas:Methane Hydrates

Unconventional Natural Gas:Methane Hydrates

“Combustible ice”