The mad science of drilling the earth with Austin Vernon
Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11)
Resource Abundance Requires Innovation
The potential for expanding oil and gas production hinges on adopting innovative technologies rather than solely relying on traditional methods. Fracking demonstrates greater effectiveness for gas than oil, due to the molecular structure of gas, which allows it to navigate through smaller fractures more easily. While Argentina shows some development in a fracking industry, it continues to import oil and gas despite its significant resources. Opportunities to enhance oil extraction exist in places like Canada's oil sands through steam-assisted gravity drainage, a technology that remains underappreciated. With advancements in such extraction methods, regions like Venezuela and the US could tap into extensive oil reserves capable of sustaining production for hundreds of years, emphasizing that resource limitations are less of an issue than the need for improved drilling and pipeline infrastructure.
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