27 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
View submission: Ask Anything Wednesday - Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science
Are scientists able to replicate the processes by which crude oil is made in nature?
Comment by knallfr0sch at 26/04/2023 at 22:12 UTC*
39 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Yes, the process involves heating and putting pressure on organic material over a long time period. You have to spend more energy than you will get out by burning it.
You could use the process to store energy, but you might as well use hydrogen for that purpose. It is superior in every regard: simpler and faster (less loss during the process), its ingredient is available in infinite quantities, denser, no solid residue when burning, more versatile, ..
Basically, replicating the process to make crude oil will never be done outside of a research lab.