Energy Resources for the Past, Present and Future

Abstract

The paper traces the development of fuel utilisation from the late eighteenth century to the present day. Initially coal is given some emphasis. The beginning of the oil industry is discussed in some detail, also its development in re- sponse to such factors as the proliferation of the motor car. World events including the two World Wars are examined for their effects on fuel supply and demand. Frequently in the paper prices of particular fuels at the time under discussion are brought up to date by means of a web based calculator for this purpose. The matter of energy-return-on-energy-invested (EROEI) for fuels, which has been a research topic of the author's for some years, features in the paper particularly to- wards the end where cautious comments on the future are made.