The Energy for the Future

S. primary energy sources for the most current list the amount of energy consumed in quads (quadrillion Btu = 10^15 Btu). Tally the list to obtain the total energy consumed by the U. S. primary energy source Energy consumed The primary energy consumption 97. 1% 3986 Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia 12. 9% 780 Africa, Nigeria 5. 2% 470 Venezuela 5. 9% 555 3) Petroleum & Natural Gas Reserves Estima2tes from a few years ago indicated that the world was running out of usable oil & gas reserves. However new methods & technologies have drastically altered these predictions. These technologies make it likely to fracture shale to release the trapped gas and oil (Hubbert). These drilling methods make it possible to go up to 15000 feet, make right angle turns to penetrate the fractured shale. Hydraulic fracturing and directional drilling are the two leading technologies that enable natural gas production from shale formations.