Energy from oil

Oil has been used for thousands of years, although we have
only utilised it on a large scale since the middle of the
nineteenth century.

The world's biggest oil producers are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, the United States and Norway.

A natural source

Like coal, oil is made from plants and other organisms trapped beneath the surface of the Earth. Under intense pressure and high temperatures, these organisms have been transformed over millions of years. Oil is found collected in pockets in porous rock, or as oil sand.

Oil refined

A large share of the oil we use is refined into gasoline, diesel fuel and aircraft fuel. A smaller portion is used as heating oil.

Many harmful elements

Oil contains a number of elements that can damage the environment. The incineration process creates carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are also produced.

The future

Oil accounted for 33% of world’s energy supply in 2009. Of the total oil production in 2008, United States accounted for 23%, Japan 5,5% and China 8,8%. Germany, South Korea, France and India are also major importing countries. Sweden, accounted for approximately 0,4%.

Oil consumption is increasing especially in the newly industrialised countries in the Far East, China and the Pacific. The consumption of oil products is also increasing rapidly in the oil producing countries in the Middle East and in developing countries compared to the Western World.

Share of oil used in electricity generation: