[Econ101]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('pstarr', 'Q')uinny it's not surprising Econ101 can't respond. He's a freshmen economics student who has yet to be taught the somewhat confusing relationship between energy, money, and debt, and so confuses basic energy math. Modern rotary drilling, by focusing kinetic energy more precisely on rock crystalline structure and flushing away debris, is more efficient, and so requires less energy inputs and therefore . . . increases, not decreases eroei.

[Econ101]

Apparently pstarr and I agree even though a more energy intensive bit is applied to the drilling process the overall eroei of the oil is enhanced in at least 2 ways:

1) Drilling is more efficient and less energy intensive
2) Total production is greatly enhanced

As a result eroei of oil actually went up with the introduction of a new, more energy intensive technology.

Now comes fracking. It certainly introduces a new more energy intensive component to the process but can it, in the same manner as the bit, increase overall eroei? It certainly can, and does in one primary way:

1) Total production is greatly enhanced. Staggering new energy supplies are now made available for a very modest increase in energy inputs.

IN REVIEW:

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('ECON 101', 'E')nergy in is fixed at the amount it takes to get the oil above ground.

Energy out is fixed at the amount that will ultimately be produced or EUR, which is constantly going up because of technological advances.