Locked in the rocks of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming lies a mammoth energy resource called “oil shale.” These three states contain at least 5-times more oil than the proven reserves of Saudi Arabia. We have studied ways to unlock oil shale since the early 20th century. However, these attempts were limited by technology, economics, and environmental concerns.
Things are different now. Energy prices are on a steep upward trend. Easily developed crude oil reserves are running out. Emerging economies are securing energy resources around the World. Price spikes, like what we saw in 2008 - and are seeing now - will be more severe and frequent.
Equally as important, we are discovering solutions to unlocking the potential of oil shale. Dozens of companies, universities, national laboratories, public agencies, and governments around the World are making enormous strides in developing the technologies that may produce oil shale cleanly and economically.
The United States needs to develop as many home-grown energy sources as possible – traditional, unconventional, and renewable. A vibrant domestic energy industry is essential for the U.S. economy and national security. With continued research, support and incentives, oil shale could play a major role in the U.S. energy portfolio for the next century.