The oil extracted from shale rocks has been used as a fuel in generating electricity. For example, over 90% of the electricity produced in Estonia is made of oil shale and they even have enough to provide for their neighbors.
Today, I did some research on how oil is extracted from shale rocks.
I have learned that the first steps to extract oil from shale rocks are mining and crushing. Shale, then, is transported to heating units for retorting, where it will be heated up at temperatures between 450 to 500 °C in the absence of oxygen. Heating makes shale oil chemically identical to conventional petroleum and only at these temperature levels Kerogen decomposes more quickly [1].
With the extraction of oil shale, there have been some positive impacts on societies over the years. The oil extracted from shale rocks has been used as a fuel in generating electricity. For example, over 90% of the electricity produced in Estonia is made of oil shale and they even have enough to provide for their neighbors [2].
The oil extracted from shale rocks has been used as a fuel in generating electricity. For example, over 90% of the electricity produced in Estonia is made of oil shale and they even have enough to provide for their neighbors.
Estonia should be considered a living model case for us as it is a small country with a population of only 1.3 million people [3] and, like Jordan, does not have reserves of oil and gas to generate power. But Estonia DOES HAVE oil shale rocks and that’s what made the difference for them.
Oil Shale Extraction Process
Throughout my ongoing research I conducted in my personal project, I think I have presented enough evidence of the positive impacts of shale oil on the countries that rely heavily on imported energy sources. But my research and investigation would not be complete unless I present the possible negative sides of extracting oil from shale rocks and try to find solutions for them.
On this regard, I have a basic knowledge that I learned in school. Whether the mining of oil is in surface or underground both ways would involve negative environmental impacts. I have learned before that burring oil releases carbon dioxide that causes various kinds of pollution in the environment.
My next research will be conducted on the possible negative sides of extracting oil from oil rocks. I should also come up with practical and solutions.
References
[1] “How Oil And Gas Is Extracted From Shale.” Oil Field Now, 6 December 2015. DVD.
[2] Soares, Isa. “Estonia's dirty energy drives for self-sufficiency.” https://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/05/business/estonia-oil-shale-industry/index.html. Cable News Network, 5 December 2013. Web. 21 July 2018
[3] “Live Estonia Population.” http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/estonia-population. WorldMeters. Web. 21 July 2018.
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