Growing energy demand requires expanded supply

Journal Article · Mon Feb 07 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Energy User News; (United States)

OSTI ID:7227102

Culbertson, L

With a doubling of world energy demand predicted in the next 25 years as populations and expectations increase, the U.S. cannot afford to allow unnecessary governmental intervention to hold back production of the energy to meet that demand. Petroleum and natural gas supplies, which can be expected to shrink from 20 to 18 and 20 to 14 quadrillion Btu, respectively, by 1995, can be offset by a growth in coal production from 15 to 31 quadrillion Btu and nuclear power to 16 quadrillion Btu. Economics are against more companies pursuing alternate fuel technologies unless oil and gas prices rise dramatically or technologies improve. Estimates for substitute fuels are 3 quadrillion Btu by 1995. Renewable sources, while promising, will make only a minor contribution of six quadrillion Btu and that mostly from hydroelectric power. Imports will have to increase from the present 17 to 22 percent of energy consumed to meet U.S. needs. Further efforts are needed to eliminate unnecessary use and waste of energy (especially in process analysis and control at refineries and chemical plants) and to promote conservation and legislation that protects both the environment and the free enterprise system. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Phillips Petroleum Co., Bartlesville, OK
• OSTI ID: 7227102
• Journal Information: Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 2:5; ISSN EUSND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
292000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Supply
Demand & Forecasting
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320000 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization
ECONOMICS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY DEMAND
ENERGY SHORTAGES
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SUPPLIES
EXPLORATION
FORECASTING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
GROWTH
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
LEGISLATION
POPULATIONS
PRODUCTION
REGULATIONS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS