A study of oil and natural gas resources and production

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide a general overview of the global oil and natural gas resources, production, technology development, energy use, emissions and costs. The activity is based on the European project “Risk of Energy Availability: Common Corridors for Europe Supply Security” (REACCESS) and the data collected was used in this project as an input to evaluate the technical, economical and environmental characteristics of the energy corridors to European Union (EU).Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on literature reviews and data collection from national authorities, oil companies, international associations and international organisations.FindingsThe work provides a general overview of oil and natural gas resources, production rates, recent technology developments, costs, losses, energy consumption and emissions on a world regional level. Main issues related to the role of conventional oil and natural gas in the energy import framework are summarised in this paper.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides information on conventional oil and natural gas resources and it is limited to primary production technologies.Originality/valueAn outline of oil and natural gas on a regional level is presented. The paper provides general introduction to the subject and it is a valuable input for modelling and analyses of conventional oil and natural gas in the present and in the future energy system.