The Oil Drum: The Causes of the Blowout/Explosion, Resource Depletion, &c.

What Were the Causes That Led to the Deepwater Horizon Blowout and Explosion? - and Open Thread

I have summarized the information to try and keep it to the salient facts. The following information is from reliable sources. Most is public record and the remainder is from confidential reviews carried out by other major oil companies. I have interpreted the reports and made some conclusions with caveats where necessary. As such, these are only opinions and no inference of blame can be inferred as a result of these statements.

More detail will emerge when further investigations take place, especially with regard to the last few hours leading up to the explosion. However, I am confident the fundamentals are identified in this article and, most importantly, the crucial lessons learned so none of us repeat the same mistakes.

http://www.theoildrum.com/node/6597

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What happens when energy resources deplete?

What happens when energy resources, such as oil, deplete? Many people believe that oil prices will just go up--but I don't see that to be the case. A more likely result is future dominated by recession and debt defaults--similar to what we have been seeing recently, but trending over time to be worse. In the midst of this recession, the view may be that there is plenty of oil, if only the price were higher.

http://www.theoildrum.com/node/6574

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Drumbeat: June 19, 2010

http://www.theoildrum.com/node/6619

If we reduce the use of oil by 50% we will have twice as much time in which to use it all up.

In the meantime we can make alternatives. And yes, I know all that makes BP and Exxon nervous.

You think we can produce things such as batteries for them at a pace to keep up with demand, which will constantly increase as more third world nations are rising out of poverty and experiencing their industrial eras?