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Book Review: Cubic Mile of Oil

A cubic mile of oil (CMO) represents the current global annual rate of oil consumption and indicates the amount of oil that will have to be replaced from other sources if and when petroleum becomes depleted to such an extent that it is no longer available at current rates. In fact, recent gyrations in oil prices reinforce the necessity to have a long-term energy policy spanning decades that is divorced from the prevailing price of oil. As the authors point out, the world currently uses about 3 CMO equivalents of energy annually from oil and other sources combined and if this rate of use continues unchecked, the prediction is that world will consume between 6 and 9 CMO equivalents per year by 2050. The source of energy to satisfy the energy demand is daunting enough even for established energy industries, such as coal, oil, and nuclear, to increase energy production to satisfy the energy demand gap. However, as the authors point out, replacing one energy source with another is not an overnight exercise or merely moving a switch to the on position but is a lengthy process requiring installation of a new energy-producing system with the necessary infrastructure. Through chapters with titles such as: Historical Energy Development and Future Dilemmas, Energy Needs to 2050, Our Energy Inheritance, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, and The Path Forward, the book provides the facts about the various competing technologies that are necessary for making informed choices and for stimulating rational discussion and decision making as world governments align their respective policies to address the future. The authors present the magnitude of the world energy problems—and the potential solutions—in a realistic and understandable format. The authors also suggest the types of energy policies and investment options that will be needed for future energy production so that global energy challenges can be solved. The message pursued in the book is logical and well-presented. The book is a must-read for scientists, engineers, managers, and decision-makers as well as anyone who seeks an understanding of the world energy sector. It is a worthy addition to the energy technology bookshelf.