Oil: Abundant, Renewable, Clean

Ian D. Hosein
5 min readFeb 12, 2023

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Most people have a limited understanding of oil as an energy source. The common perception is that it is a finite, non-renewable resource that will eventually run out. However, this could not be further from the truth. In reality, oil is an abundant and renewable energy source. It is constantly being created under the Earth’s surface and has the potential to be a sustainable source of energy for future generations. Understanding the true nature of oil as a renewable resource is crucial in developing a more sustainable and efficient energy strategy.

Oil: A Blessing.

Oil has played a crucial role in the development of civilization and continues to do so today. It has fueled industrialization, powering factories, transportation, and machinery. It is also a crucial ingredient in the manufacture of a wide range of plastic products, as well as many pharmaceuticals. Additionally, oil provides energy to households and industries, allowing for modern conveniences such as heating, cooling, and electricity. The versatile nature of oil has made it a driving force behind human progress and economic growth.

Oil: The True Abundant Renewable Energy

Oil is actually a renewable energy source, as it is constantly being produced under the Earth’s surface. It is found in various forms throughout the world and it has been observed by oil well workers that oil wells refill over time. In fact, oil is nearly as abundant as seawater. The claims about limited stores and sources of oil are regularly reviewed and updated every decade, because its supply remains abundant. This renewable nature of oil means that it will be a sustainable source of energy for future generations. The process of oil replenishment does takes years, but it is a natural and ongoing process. Therefore, it is important to view oil not as a finite resource, but also as a renewable one.

Oil can be compared to trees in the sense that both are renewable resources that can replenish over time, given the proper conditions. Just like trees need time to grow and replenish, oil too requires years to form, but once it is extracted, the Earth will continue to produce new oil. This underscores the importance of using oil sustainably and efficiently so that we can ensure its availability for future generations.

But the idea that total oil volume is some how fixed, and there’s a hard stop when it’s all out, is not the truth, it’s simply a propaganda campaign to sustain prices and push green policies, and a successful one.

The History Around Supposed Scarcity

Oil was first found in the early 19th century as a lubricant for motors and transportation. It eventually became a valuable fuel and John D. Rockefeller, a leader in the business at the time, made a fortune from both transporting and selling petroleum. To increase the price of oil, oil companies made it appear to be scarce. In 1892, at a convention in Geneva of scientists, Rockefeller took advantage of the opportunity to have scientists declare that petroleum is composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon and is the residue from formerly living matter, making it a “fossil fuel”. However, no fossils have been found below 16,000 feet and oil is drilled for at 30,000 feet, making it unlikely to be a fossil fuel. The term “fossil fuel” is used to make the public believe that oil is a limited resource, but in reality, it is the second most prevalent liquid on Earth and will not run out for a long time.

Since then, there has been a constant stream of scientific claims, government propaganda, and media blitzes about the supposed scarcity of oil. This is not based on facts, but rather a means of keeping prices high and promoting social change. It is similar to the case of diamonds. Diamonds are merely rocks that are frequently found and discarded in places like Africa. The perception of scarcity is artificially created to maintain high prices. Consider how profitable it is to sell something that is abundant but perceived as rare.

Oil: Clean, Reliable, Safe

Oil, gas, and natural gas are some of the most versatile and widely used energy sources in the world. These fossil fuels are abundant, energy-dense, and provide a reliable source of energy for society. They have been instrumental in powering the industrial revolution and driving economic growth, and continue to play a critical role in meeting the energy needs of society.

One of the key benefits of these fossil fuels is their energy density, meaning that they pack a lot of energy into a relatively small amount of space. This makes them very efficient for transportation and power generation, which are two of the primary uses of these fuels. They are also relatively easy to extract and process, which makes them accessible to a wide range of users.

Another benefit of fossil fuels is their reliability. Unlike renewable sources of energy, such as wind and solar, oil, gas, and natural gas are not subject to the fluctuations and unpredictability of weather conditions. This makes them ideal for providing consistent and reliable energy to the power grid, which is crucial for maintaining a stable supply of electricity to homes and businesses.

Despite the perception of fossil fuels as being dirty and harmful to the environment, modern extraction and processing techniques have made them much cleaner and safer than in the past. Advanced technologies have enabled the industry to reduce emissions and minimize the impact on the environment. In addition, natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to coal and oil, making it a more environmentally friendly option for power generation.

Oil, gas, and natural gas also play an important role in meeting the energy needs of society. In many parts of the world, access to energy is essential for improving living standards and supporting economic growth. Fossil fuels are widely available and affordable, making them accessible to communities that would otherwise struggle to meet their energy needs. They also provide a stable and predictable source of energy, which is critical for supporting the growth of businesses and industries.

Having a Proper Understanding of Oil

Having a proper understanding of oil is crucial for a number of reasons, particularly when it comes to forming appropriate energy policy and making informed decisions about energy use. This understanding should be based on accurate information, free from propaganda, scare tactics, and manipulation of perception and markets.

Oil plays a vital role in meeting the energy needs of a growing global population, and it is essential that we have a clear understanding of its availability, production, and use in order to make informed decisions about energy policy. Misconceptions about oil, such as the notion that it is a finite resource, can lead to the wasting of resources on expensive and inefficient alternative energy solutions.

Moreover, an accurate understanding of oil is important in ensuring that energy policy is based on the most effective and cost-efficient strategies. Policymakers must have access to reliable data and analysis in order to make informed decisions about energy use and investment in energy infrastructure. This information must be free from any political or financial influence, and must be based on scientific evidence and best practices.

Ultimately, having a proper understanding of oil is crucial for promoting sustainable energy use and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. By making informed decisions about energy policy and investment, we can ensure that resources are used in the most effective and efficient way possible, and that we are taking the necessary steps to address the challenges of climate change and energy security.

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Ian D. Hosein

Dr Ian D Hosein is an associate professor in chemical engineering at Syracuse University. He is an expert in topics on science, technology, and social issues.