Verfügbarkeit von nicht-erneuerbaren Energierohstoffen

Crude oil, natural gas and coal currently are the most important energy sources and will be the backbone of the energy industry for the next few decades to come. The discussion about the future availability of these fossil fuels was revived by the sharp rise in energy prices since 2004 to a record high in mid-2008. This posed a question as to how long non-renewable energy resources may be available in sufficient quantities in the future. The annual report 2010 “Reserves, resources and availability of energy resources” from the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources in Hanover analyses the global situation of crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium and thorium. The focus is on the analysis of reserves and resources, but also aspects of production, consumption and trade as well as prices are being covered. The main emphasis is put on conventional energy resources, but also non-conventional hydrocarbons are discussed. As a result of the study, the situation for crude oil becomes increasingly critical. From a geological point of view there are still sufficient quantities of natural gas and uranium. Coal has the by far greatest long term potential, but in comparison with other fossil fuels it is more pollute.