Buckshot Bear Posted March 23 Posted March 23 With all this talk of oil shortages and how bad it is, I just Googled how much oil the world has left, and the least amount answer was 47 years. What the hell happens then? Quote
Alpo Posted March 23 Posted March 23 About 30 years ago they said there was 10 years left. Then it would be all gone. I would not believe the 47-year figure. Plus, I'm sure I will be dead long before 47 years gets here so I don't care. 1 Quote
Rip Snorter Posted March 23 Posted March 23 (edited) Happenstance, a senior exec with a major U.S. oil company was a neighbor of my parents. He was a dinner guest when I was visiting. 1974? 1975? Table conversation, according to his experts we were going to run out of oil in 17 years. Think Al Gore. Edited March 23 by Rip Snorter 1 Quote
Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted March 23 Posted March 23 The "experts" are always predicting Doom and Gloom. It makes it seem like they have something important to say when they're really just trying to be relevant. Kind of like the computer "experts" and the Millenium. I believed then and still do now that the whole thing was just a ploy for job security. I think that about computer program bugs too. I think that most of them are planted intentionally just so the programmers have to get hired to "fix" them. Same thing with Fauchi and the Zombie Appocolypse. The main thing affecting oil prices now is that somebody farted in the Mideast, and the speculators acted like they always do and started a panic. Especially since the U.S. only gets something like 10% of our oil from there. 4 1 Quote
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted March 23 Posted March 23 1 hour ago, Alpo said: About 30 years ago they said there was 10 years left. Then it would be all gone. I would not believe the 47-year figure. Plus, I'm sure I will be dead long before 47 years gets here so I don't care. +1. Attaboy, Alpo. Quote
Rye Miles #13621 Posted March 23 Posted March 23 47 years? ⚠️ Why this number is misleading (important) We’re not actually going to “run out” suddenly. Here’s why: New discoveries happen Technology improves (like fracking, deepwater drilling) Some oil exists but is too expensive or difficult to extract right now Demand may rise or fall (electric cars, renewables, etc.) 1 Quote
Earl Brasse, SASS #3562 Posted March 23 Posted March 23 Just rambling.... How long will oil/fuel last.... who knows, think of how little people will travel for pleasure or even work if the price goes up & up. How much non-essential driving would be going on at $50 per gallon? The needs of food, clothing & shelter, have to be met & after that everyone has a point they say "nope, can't afford it, I don't need it that bad." Ration cards like WW2 maybe? The higher the price, the less folks will use at some point, making what is left last longer. Just the amount of fuel it takes to produce & distribute food & essential goods is staggering... and then there's the military requirements. The entertainment industry would be gutted. Those pictures of two old guys playing checkers on the porch was more than likely because it was what they could afford. Meanwhile, back to our regularly scheduled program...have fun while you can, lol. Quote
Sedalia Dave Posted March 23 Posted March 23 Consider that in the last 10 years oil companies have flared off several hundred years of natural gas because there is no profitable way to capture it. 1 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted March 23 Posted March 23 (edited) Nuclear reactors can run, theoretically, for centuries if maintained properly. The proper nuclear reactor can reliably produce hydrogen which can be used as fuel, even in today’s internal combustion engines. The primary by-product of hydrogen combustion is water vapor (H2O 𝐻2𝑂) and heat. Because hydrogen fuel contains no carbon, it produces no carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon monoxide (CO). However, high-temperature combustion in air can produce small amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Key Aspects of Hydrogen Combustion By-products: Water Vapor (H2O): The main byproduct, which is clean and non-polluting. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx😞 Formed due to the high temperatures, which can be mitigated, says the Department of Energy.No Carbon Emissions: Unlike fossil fuels, no CO2. 𝐶𝑂2 is produced. Reaction Formula: 2H2+O2→2H2O+Energy 2𝐻2+𝑂2→2𝐻2𝑂+Energy This could relegate petroleum to the task of lubricants and other benign applications. We have, literally, thousands, (perhaps millions) of vehicles running safely and successfully on compressed gasses all over the nation and around the world! Hydrogen fuel cells are even cleaner, eliminating the NOx emissions altogether! More plentiful, cleaner electricity and pollution free fuels are there for the asking. The naysayers have poisoned the conversation for far too long!! There are no simple solutions, but the drawbacks are solvable!! Edited March 23 by Blackwater 53393 4 Quote
Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474 Posted March 23 Posted March 23 In my view, those scientists and technicians working on using Hydrogen will solve part of the problem in the long term. Arguments have been made about safety of using the gas; water condensing and freezing on winter roads etc. but these are questionable at best. EVs may have a niche in cities where the users never leave their 15 minute enclave, thus reducing smog in major cities; the safer use of hydrogen and the capture of condensate will be addressed. A closed system may even be possible. I read somewhere for example, the German Kriegsmarine built a hydrogen powered submarine in WWII. While not very successful, it bears remembering that was 80+ years ago. Science and technology has advanced since then. Quote
WOLFY Posted March 23 Posted March 23 since all that oil is made by a combination of organic matter, pressure and heat wouldn’t it follow that this planet isn’t done creating more? 3 Quote
Rip Snorter Posted March 23 Posted March 23 A friend's step son is high tech in oil and gas drilling. He travels all over and they are getting amazing production. Be a while before we run out. In re: Hydrogen, remember the Hindenberg! Quote
Texas Lizard Posted March 23 Posted March 23 Will we run out....Some day maybe....But we are learning to use it better...That helps...Will solar take over...I do not think so....Where solar can be used and does a good job....Put it to work...As time goes along we will learn to use it better....Is it the save us source...Not yet...But maybe some day it might...If we can keep the government out of the way.... Texas Lizard Quote
Rip Snorter Posted March 23 Posted March 23 I would bet on small and large scale nuclear. Particularly considering the enormous power consumption of emerging technologies. Quote
PowderRiverCowboy Posted March 23 Posted March 23 (edited) Sleep easy Here in area where we drill oil you have to ask the program the correct way Estimates for when U.S. petroleum reserves will run out vary widely based on consumption rates and technology, generally ranging from roughly 50 years at current, high-consumption rates to over 200 years when accounting for technologically recoverable resources. The US currently has over 200 years of oil at 2023 usage levels. Now Aussies on the other Hand Australia's domestic crude oil reserves are limited, with estimates suggesting only about 4 to 6 years of production remaining at current rates. However, this does not mean the country will run out of fuel. Australia relies heavily on imports, with domestic refineries only able to meet less than 20% of national demand as of early 2026, necessitating continuous international supply, says ABC News Edited March 23 by PowderRiverCowboy Quote
Cypress Sun Posted March 23 Posted March 23 5 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said: Consider that in the last 10 years oil companies have flared off several hundred years of natural gas because there is no profitable way to capture it. Bingo! We have a winner! 1 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted March 23 Posted March 23 1 hour ago, Rip Snorter said: In re: Hydrogen, remember the Hindenberg! It’s important to recognize that “the Himdenberg” didn’t use hydrogen as a fuel! It was used in large balloon type envelopes to make the airship lighter than air. The load of hydrogen was NOT protected when in use and thus vulnerable to the elements and to the possibility of uncontrolled ignition! When used as a motor fuel, it’s being intentionally burned in a closely controlled system! It’s been done safely for years!!! 2 Quote
Rip Snorter Posted March 23 Posted March 23 1 hour ago, Blackwater 53393 said: It’s important to recognize that “the Himdenberg” didn’t use hydrogen as a fuel! It was used in large balloon type envelopes to make the airship lighter than air. The load of hydrogen was NOT protected when in use and thus vulnerable to the elements and to the possibility of uncontrolled ignition! When used as a motor fuel, it’s being intentionally burned in a closely controlled system! It’s been done safely for years!!! Gasses, like animals, frequently enough escape confinement! Quote
Still hand Bill Posted March 23 Posted March 23 3 hours ago, Rip Snorter said: A friend's step son is high tech in oil and gas drilling. He travels all over and they are getting amazing production. Be a while before we run out. In re: Hydrogen, remember the Hindenberg! I believe hydrogen is the lightest gas and can actually be hard to contain as the molecules are so small. But with that said, it can be transported, dispensed, and consumed on a consumer level. It’s done now on a small level. It can also be used in fuel cells instead of a combustion engine fuel with allows direct transfer to electricity and water. I believe the biggest problem is the amount of energy required to make it. the Hindenburg was due to the US being the sole source of helium pre ww2, so the Germans used hydrogen instead. Once ignited the hydrogen burns as would any other fuel. I believe some speculated that the covering was also flammable and may have been where the fire started before spreading to the gas/lifting bags. 1 Quote
Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted March 23 Posted March 23 2 minutes ago, Still hand Bill said: the Hindenburg was due to the US being the sole source of helium pre ww2, so the Germans used hydrogen instead. Once ignited the hydrogen burns as would any other fuel. I believe some speculated that the covering was also flammable and may have been where the fire started before spreading to the gas/lifting bags. The thinking was that the paint was a mix of iron oxide and aluminum, making the paint Thermite. Mythbusters tested it and decided that it didn't. Ignore the first 30 seconds. 1 Quote
John Kloehr Posted March 23 Posted March 23 17 minutes ago, Still hand Bill said: ... hydrogen ... I believe the biggest problem is the amount of energy required to make it. Making requires a bit more electrify than it will provide, and then cooling it to liquid form requires a lot more electricity. And the next problem is storing it. A fill-up in a car will naturally evaporate and off-gas in about 4 days using the best thermos jugs available. For some use cases, it can make sense if it can be used quickly after it is made. City busses are one reasonable use case. Quote
Sedalia Dave Posted March 24 Posted March 24 If our Nuclear reactors were designed differently there wouldn't be a waste problem to solve Quote
Buckshot Bear Posted March 24 Author Posted March 24 10 hours ago, PowderRiverCowboy said: Sleep easy Here in area where we drill oil you have to ask the program the correct way Estimates for when U.S. petroleum reserves will run out vary widely based on consumption rates and technology, generally ranging from roughly 50 years at current, high-consumption rates to over 200 years when accounting for technologically recoverable resources. The US currently has over 200 years of oil at 2023 usage levels. Now Aussies on the other Hand Australia's domestic crude oil reserves are limited, with estimates suggesting only about 4 to 6 years of production remaining at current rates. However, this does not mean the country will run out of fuel. Australia relies heavily on imports, with domestic refineries only able to meet less than 20% of national demand as of early 2026, necessitating continuous international supply, says ABC News They put this out this morning - https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/map-shows-brutal-truth-about-australias-fuel-crisis-as-the-country-sits-on-42-years-worth-of-oil-reserves/news-story/0718f571527495efef5eb91fd69017d3 1 Quote
watab kid Posted March 24 Posted March 24 well lets put it in perspective here - in bidens term the prices were higher because of his regulations and exclusionsions , todays high prices - still lower are because we affected a major supply line to asia/china and europe , i think it will settle soon , things will go back to a lower norm but we get to go thru the current state - which is still better than we had with biiden - so haw bad is it really ? we have cleaned up a mess that all the presidents before have kicked down the road - ignored - neglected , this man addressed it , and is dealing with it decisively , im going to ride it out and expect good things - or at least better than we have had , that theocracy has killed more people than some wars without paying for it , now they are , it needs to go away and let the iranian people have a free government , one they elect that doesnt kill them if they disagree , my hopes are optomistic i know but the few iranians i know here feel the same , that country deserves better than what they have had , 1 2 Quote
PowderRiverCowboy Posted March 24 Posted March 24 6 hours ago, Buckshot Bear said: They put this out this morning - https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/map-shows-brutal-truth-about-australias-fuel-crisis-as-the-country-sits-on-42-years-worth-of-oil-reserves/news-story/0718f571527495efef5eb91fd69017d3 So looks like you answer was tailored off of your IP address , makes sense but see this this morning, Hundreds of petrol stations across Australia run out of fuel as Labor inks supply deal with Singapore https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/23/petrol-stations-australia-fuel-crisis 1 Quote
Dantankerous Posted March 24 Posted March 24 People should worry more about their monthly car loan payment and how they cannot afford that before they worry about the oil that will fuel their overpriced depreciating "asset". 🙃 2 Quote
Cypress Sun Posted March 24 Posted March 24 (edited) 35 minutes ago, PowderRiverCowboy said: So looks like you answer was tailored off of your IP address , makes sense but see this this morning, Hundreds of petrol stations across Australia run out of fuel as Labor inks supply deal with Singapore https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/23/petrol-stations-australia-fuel-crisis The real reason Australia is out of fuel... Edited March 24 by Cypress Sun 4 Quote
PowderRiverCowboy Posted March 24 Posted March 24 1 hour ago, Cypress Sun said: The real reason Australia is out of fuel... Acceptable reason 3 1 Quote
PowderRiverCowboy Posted March 24 Posted March 24 But every Tuesday the fuel prices come out , these are averages 1 Quote
Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted March 24 Posted March 24 I'm more concerned about the fire at the Valero refining facility in Texas. A thunderous blast at a Gulf Coast facility has ignited concern after an Explosion at Valero refinery sent massive plumes of smoke spiraling into the sky and forced residents to shelter in place near the Texas-Louisiana border. Full story here: https://usaherald.com/explosion-at-valero-refinery-sends-smoke-towering-over-texas-coast/ Quote
PowderRiverCowboy Posted March 24 Posted March 24 14 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said: I'm more concerned about the fire at the Valero refining facility in Texas. A thunderous blast at a Gulf Coast facility has ignited concern after an Explosion at Valero refinery sent massive plumes of smoke spiraling into the sky and forced residents to shelter in place near the Texas-Louisiana border. Full story here: https://usaherald.com/explosion-at-valero-refinery-sends-smoke-towering-over-texas-coast/ Saw that anyone else waiting for cause besides me ??? 1 Quote
Sedalia Dave Posted March 24 Posted March 24 9 hours ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said: I'm more concerned about the fire at the Valero refining facility in Texas. A thunderous blast at a Gulf Coast facility has ignited concern after an Explosion at Valero refinery sent massive plumes of smoke spiraling into the sky and forced residents to shelter in place near the Texas-Louisiana border. Full story here: https://usaherald.com/explosion-at-valero-refinery-sends-smoke-towering-over-texas-coast/ RUT ROH Quote
Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted March 24 Posted March 24 Just now, Sedalia Dave said: RUT ROH yeah. I don't necessarily think anything like terrorism, but I'm sure that it WILL affect oil prices because of speculation that it will reduce our ability to process crude oil and decrease the supply. Quote
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