The “Abiotic Oil” Controversy

The abiotic theory holds that oil is from inorganic origin, and that there must be nearly limitless pools of liquid primordial hydrocarbons at great depths on Earth. If the abiotic theory does eventually prove to be partially or wholly scientifically valid (a big “if”), it might have little or no practical consequence in terms of the imminent global oil production peak.

Full text of Dick Cheney’s speech at the Institute of Petroleum Autumn lunch, 1999

Full text of a lost speech. “By 2010 we will need on the order of an additional fifty million barrels a day. So where is the oil going to come from?… Oil is unique in that it is so strategic in nature. We are not talking about soapflakes or leisurewear here. Energy is truly fundamental to the world’s economy.”