The future of oil : geology versus technology /

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Bibliographic Details
Imprint:[Washington, D.C.] : International Monetary Fund, ©2012.
Description:1 online resource (33 pages) : illustrations
Language:English
Series:IMF working paper, 2227-8885 ; WP/12/109
IMF working paper ; WP/12/109.
Subject:
Format: E-Resource Book
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/12500228
Hidden Bibliographic Details
Other authors / contributors:Beneš, Jaromír, 1973- author.
International Monetary Fund. Research Department, issuing body.
ISBN:1475562810
9781475562811
9781475567403
1475567405
9781475503302
147550330X
Notes:Includes bibliographical references.
Summary:We discuss and reconcile two diametrically opposed views concerning the future of world oil production and prices. The geological view expects that physical constraints will dominate the future evolution of oil output and prices. It is supported by the fact that world oil production has plateaued since 2005 despite historically high prices, and that spare capacity has been near historic lows. The technological view of oil expects that higher oil prices must eventually have a decisive effect on oil output, by encouraging technological solutions. It is supported by the fact that high prices have, since 2003, led to upward revisions in production forecasts based on a purely geological view. We present a nonlinear econometric model of the world oil market that encompasses both views. The model performs far better than existing empirical models in forecasting oil prices and oil output out of sample. Its point forecast is for a near doubling of the real price of oil over the coming decade. The error bands are wide, and reflect sharply differing judgments on ultimately recoverable reserves, and on future price elasticities of oil demand and supply.
Standard no.:10.5089/9781475562811.001