Environment
Fact-checked

At AllThingsNature, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Oil Shale?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Oil shale is a form of sedimentary rock which contains compounds which can be converted into hydrocarbons. In fact, the term “oil shale” is a bit of a misnomer, since oil shale isn't actually shale, and it doesn't contain oil, either. Worldwide deposits of oil shale could potentially yield around three trillion barrels of oil, if processed efficiently, and many oil companies aim to improve the efficiency of their extraction process to make this number even higher. As such, oil shale is viewed as a potential alternative to crude oil extraction, in response to concerns about dwindling crude oil reserves.

Like crude oil, oil shale contains a large amount of organic material. In oil shale, this organic material forms compounds known as kerogens, which can be extracted from the rock by heating it to create a vapor. The vapor can then be distilled to create various hydrocarbon chains, ranging from heating oil to gases. Oil shale has also historically been used as a source of fuel, because the rocks will literally burn, thanks to their kerogens.

Worldwide deposits of oil shale could potentially yield about three trillion barrels of oil, if processed efficiently, and many oil companies aim to improve the efficiency of their extraction process to make this number even higher.
Worldwide deposits of oil shale could potentially yield about three trillion barrels of oil, if processed efficiently, and many oil companies aim to improve the efficiency of their extraction process to make this number even higher.

Processing oil shale is not without serious environmental repercussions. First, the rock must be extracted, generating a variety of issues associated with mining including erosion and pollution. Then, the rock has to be treated to extract the kerogens. During the treatment process, the rock expands, making it difficult to put back into the mine once the area has been stripped, and the rock is also carcinogenic, so it is difficult to dispose of safely. The distillation process also eats up a lot of resources, making it even less efficient than traditional crude oil distillation.

Oil shale is viewed as a potential alternative to crude oil.
Oil shale is viewed as a potential alternative to crude oil.

Oil shale processing programs have been piloted in several countries; the rock itself has been used in industrial processes since the 1800s. However, large scale mining and processing of oil shale has met with serious opposition from many environmental organizations, with members fearing that it could degrade the environment while encouraging a reliance on fossil fuels. The thought of digging up vast swathes of the natural landscape for the purpose of extracting fuel is also extremely distasteful to many activists, who are concerned about the Earth's remaining wilderness areas.

Water polluted by oil can cause harm to plants and animals that live in and depend on the water.
Water polluted by oil can cause harm to plants and animals that live in and depend on the water.

In the early 21st century, when oil prices began to rise quite dramatically, many people looked to shale oil, oil-bearing sands, and bituminous rock as potential sources of energy. However, these sources are ultimately only a temporary stopgap, as eventually reserves of these materials will disappear as well, leaving people facing a serious energy crisis. In the short term, conversion to such materials could drive energy prices up even higher, as a result of the labor required to render them usable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is oil shale?

Oil shale is a type of sedimentary rock that contains kerogen, a solid mixture of organic chemical compounds. When heated, kerogen releases a liquid called shale oil, which can be processed into various fuels. Unlike conventional crude oil, shale oil is trapped in the rock's pores and requires more complex extraction methods.

How is oil shale extracted and processed?

Oil shale extraction typically involves mining the rock and then heating it in a process called retorting. The heat converts the kerogen into shale oil vapor, which is then condensed into a liquid. Alternatively, in-situ methods heat the rock underground, reducing the need for mining but requiring more advanced technology.

Where are the largest deposits of oil shale found?

The largest deposits of oil shale are found in the United States, Brazil, China, Estonia, and Russia. The Green River Formation in the western United States is one of the most significant known oil shale deposits, with an estimated 1.5 to 1.8 trillion barrels of oil recoverable from this source alone.

What are the environmental impacts of oil shale extraction?

Oil shale extraction has significant environmental impacts, including high water usage, habitat disruption, and the release of greenhouse gases. The process of retorting and refining shale oil is energy-intensive and can contribute to air and water pollution. These factors make it a controversial energy source, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.

Is oil shale a significant source of energy today?

As of now, oil shale is not a major source of energy on a global scale. Its contribution is limited due to the cost and environmental concerns associated with its extraction and processing. However, it remains a potential resource for the future, especially if technological advancements reduce its environmental footprint.

How does the cost of producing oil from oil shale compare to conventional oil?

Producing oil from oil shale is generally more expensive than extracting conventional oil. The additional costs arise from the extensive processing required to convert kerogen into usable fuel. Economic viability is highly dependent on oil prices; when prices are high, oil shale may become a more attractive option despite the higher production costs.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Worldwide deposits of oil shale could potentially yield about three trillion barrels of oil, if processed efficiently, and many oil companies aim to improve the efficiency of their extraction process to make this number even higher.
      By: tanawatpontchour
      Worldwide deposits of oil shale could potentially yield about three trillion barrels of oil, if processed efficiently, and many oil companies aim to improve the efficiency of their extraction process to make this number even higher.
    • Oil shale is viewed as a potential alternative to crude oil.
      By: marrakeshh
      Oil shale is viewed as a potential alternative to crude oil.
    • Water polluted by oil can cause harm to plants and animals that live in and depend on the water.
      By: Leonid Ikan
      Water polluted by oil can cause harm to plants and animals that live in and depend on the water.