What is meant by the reserves-to-production ratio of a fuel?

The reserves-to-production ratio is the number of years proved reserves would last if extraction continued at the current rate. The ratio equals proved reserves divided by annual production.

A country has proved oil reserves of 300 billion barrels and produces 4 billion barrels a year. Calculate its reserves-to-production ratio.

The reserves-to-production ratio is 75 years. The working is 300 ÷ 4 = 75 years.

Give the approximate lifespans of world oil, gas and coal reserves at current production rates.

Oil and gas reserves would each last roughly 50 years at current production rates. Coal reserves would last well over a century (BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 2021).

Why is a reserves-to-production ratio not a prediction of when a fuel will run out?

New discoveries, better extraction technology and higher prices can all add to reserves. Demand may also rise or fall, so the ratio is only a snapshot.

What is meant by peak oil?

Peak oil is the point at which global oil production reaches its maximum rate and then begins to decline. The peak oil idea comes from the American geologist Marion King Hubbert, writing in 1956.

CCEA A-Level Environmental Technology 3930

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Fossil Fuels

Reserves, lifespan and accessibility

3 things to know
AS 1

Overview

Reserves and resources, the reserves-to-production ratio, peak oil, where the largest oil and gas reserves lie, energy return on investment, tar sands, fracking and the case for conserving fossil fuels together.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Why do the fossil fuels left to extract become harder and costlier to reach?

Key term

Why should countries act together to conserve fossil fuels?

Key term

What is the difference between a fossil fuel reserve and a resource?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is the difference between a fossil fuel reserve and a resource?
Model answer
A resource is all of the fuel thought to exist, whether or not it can be recovered. A proved reserve is the part known to exist and extractable economically with current technology.
2
What is meant by the reserves-to-production ratio of a fuel?
Model answer
The reserves-to-production ratio is the number of years proved reserves would last if extraction continued at the current rate. The ratio equals proved reserves divided by annual production.
3
A country has proved oil reserves of 300 billion barrels and produces 4 billion barrels a year. Calculate its reserves-to-production ratio.
Model answer
The reserves-to-production ratio is 75 years. The working is 300 ÷ 4 = 75 years.
4
Give the approximate lifespans of world oil, gas and coal reserves at current production rates.
Model answer
Oil and gas reserves would each last roughly 50 years at current production rates. Coal reserves would last well over a century (BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 2021).
5
Why is a reserves-to-production ratio not a prediction of when a fuel will run out?
Model answer
New discoveries, better extraction technology and higher prices can all add to reserves. Demand may also rise or fall, so the ratio is only a snapshot.
6
What is meant by peak oil?
Model answer
Peak oil is the point at which global oil production reaches its maximum rate and then begins to decline. The peak oil idea comes from the American geologist Marion King Hubbert, writing in 1956.

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Fossil Fuels

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