Toward a Rational Plan for Energy Exploration, Research, and Development

Donald F. Towse

The United States is becoming a have-not nation with respect to liquid fuels. Whether or when this situation reaches crisis proportions depends on our national response. A rational plan for energy exploration, research and development must be based on needs, resources, and potential new supplies sufficient to provide for the nation's economy and security.

Based on current consumption and reserve to production ratios, the U.S. would need a 55% increase in reserves (about 15 billion bbl conventional oil equivalent) and annual additions of about 4 billion bbl to be independent of foreign sources.

In 1986, oil was 44% of the energy input in the United States; over 38% of that oil was imported, and 63% was used in transportation. Coal is estimated as 92% of the United States proven energy reserves but is only 26% of the energy input.

In fiscal 1988 appropriations, Department of Energy liquid fuels research was seriously underfunded, 19% for liquids vs. 41% for power generation from coal.

Energy professionals can weigh the options and advise both government and industry where the priorities should lie. Coal, tar sands, methanol, and improved combustion are among the possible solutions; downstream segments cannot be neglected.

I present a plan for AAPG and the Energy Minerals Division to provide that advice.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91024©1989 AAPG Pacific Section, May 10-12, 1989, Palm Springs, California.