An intensive 10 week research program by Stites & Associates, LLC, (SALLC) has resulted in a technically competent, financially sound review of the Oil Shale Industry in the Western US. The eBook, Oil Shale, Treasure Trove or Pandora’s Box, is a detailed look at the history, technology, financial promise, energy security potential and the environmental challenges and opportunities provided by the vast oil resources of oil shale in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. It is available now at Amazon Kindle at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B013PSC0VU . If you don’t have a Kindle click here to download a free app to read Kindle Books on your computer.
The eBook is a balanced look at the industry and attempts to answer the questions:
- Is it feasible to develop oil shale in the US in the next decade?
- Should oil shale be developed in the US in the next decade?
- If so, what are the various constraints and caveats that should be considered in such a development?
- Is it likely that a commercial oil shale plant (one that is designed to operate continuously at a profit) will be built in the US in the next 10 years? What is that probability?
The eBook is a mix of technical and simple language. It is extensively footnoted, especially when technology is being presented. It also employs simple examples that are easy to understand when dealing with financial, political and environmental issues. The Table of Contents is reproduced below:
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
Energy Consumption and Standard of Living
Climate Change and the Transition to Renewable Energy
CHAPTER 2 – BACKGROUND
What is Oil Shale?
Oil Shale Geology
Oil Shale Products
Oil Shale Deposits
Oil Shale Deposits around the World
Oil Shale Deposits within the United States
History
Early History
Industrial Use.
WWI Boom
WWII
Post-WWII
The 21st Century
CHAPTER 3 – BASIC CONCEPTS
Determining the Grade of Oil Shale
Important Notes about using the MFA.
Processing Technologies
Ex-situ
In-situ
Hydrogenation and thermal solution (HTS)
CHAPTER 4 - KEY ISSUES
Impediments to Commercialization
High Costs and Capital
Technical Risk
Business Risk
Positive Impacts
Energy Security
Employment
Negative Externalities
Water use/pollution
Air pollution
Land use
Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Emissions
CHAPTER 5 – RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Assessing Risk versus Reward - Introducing ROI
Fixed and Variable Operating Costs
Three Typical Oil Shale Scenarios
What Next?
CHAPTER 6 – RETURN ON RESOURCES
The Mineral Owner's Dilemma
Mineral Rights
Balancing Resource Use and Returns - A Partnership
Application to Oil Shale Industry
Balancing Issues Unique to Western US Oil Shale
Competing Technologies and Priorities
So What? What Next?
CHAPTER 7 – CONCLUSIONS & OPINIONS
Conclusions
Opinions
Matthew James’ Opinion
Lee Yuan Ming’s Opinion
Ron Stites’ Opinion
The Authors
References
The book is aimed at the concerned US Citizen who would like to have a simple, but complete handbook on oil shale for the purpose of formulating an informed, objective opinion on the subject of oil shale development. One of the more interesting features of the eBook is an on-line Return on Investment (ROI) calculator for three different types of oil shale technologies. It allows you to enter your assumptions about oil shale and calculate your estimated ROI. This eBook is a “must read” for advocates, policy makers, regulators and voters in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming.
The Authors bring to the evaluation of oil shale a unique perspectives that readers will find refreshing, enlightening and occasionally irritating. The Authors suggest some general directions based on their study of the industry. The Authors are:
Ron Stites, Research Chemist and Managing Member of SALLC. Mr. Stites holds a BS Degree in Chemistry and an MBA in Finance and Accounting. He has many years of experience in the environmental industry and industrial Technology Development. He brings a unique mix of financial, technical and environmental background.
Lee Yuan Ming, Intern at SALLC and an undergraduate student in his senior year atNanyang Technological University in Singapore, where he is majoring in Chemical Engineering under the Renaissance Engineering Programme. Lee brings the perspectives of Chemical Engineering, International Issues and Business Entrepreneurship – his true passion in business life.
Matthew James, Intern at SALLC and an holds a Diploma in Chemical Engineering and currently pursuing a dual-degree in Bachelor of Engineering Science (Chemical Engineering) and Master of Science (Technology Management) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Matthew also brings the perspectives of Chemical Engineering and International Issues. He also brings a perspective of Social Justice and Sustainability having won awards in these areas.
The eBook is now available through Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B013PSC0VU.
Details of the eBook will be presented at the 35th Oil Shale Symposium (October 5-6 in Salt Lake City).
Stites & Associates, LLC, is a group of technical professionals who work with clients to improve laboratory performance and evaluate and improve technology by applying good management judgment based on objective evidence and sound scientific thinking. For more information see: www.tek-dev.net.
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