Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas) were formed millions of years ago and are at great depth in the earth. They are given this name for their molecular composition (hydrogen and carbon) and are the most demanded non-renewable energy sources in the world. Their use was first documented in China in the 4th century BC, although their commercial exploitation, as we know it today, started in the 19th century.

It is a type of energy that is found in Nature in different amounts. Despite the fact that its origin is natural, the emissions derived from its use – especially those from the combustion of oil products – mean that they are not considered clean energy sources.

Fossil fuels and their derivatives are the main sources of energy, both for vehicles and for heating and the production of electricity. However, their combustion creates environmental problems, the main one being the emission of greenhouse gases (CO₂), although sulphur and nitrogen oxides have a strong polluting capacity.

Advantages

• In general, current technology means it is easy to extract.
• It is a source of energy that can be accessed on a continuous basis.
• Las gasolinas y gasóleos son accesibles por doquier para el transporte.
• Gasoline (petrol, UK) and diesel are available everywhere for transport Many of the products we use every day are oil-based (plastics, cables, polymers, fertilizers, fabrics, footwear, etc.).
• Reserves are enormous, it is an abundant energy source.

Disadvantages

• Emission of polluting gases to the atmosphere.
• Reserves. The enormous amount of reserves is much greater than the planet’s ability to absorb the emissions.
• Burning oil avoids the option of manufacturing other goods. Opportunity cost: instead of using it as fuel, it could be used to produce goods.
• It is an energy important from other countries. There is great dependence on this resource.
• Its prices change. The instability is considerable and this leads to imbalances in the economy and in society.

The Energy Strategy for Euskadi sets out ambitious objectives in order to gradually disconnect energy from oil. To do this, the progressive replacement of gasoline and diesel is planned through alternative, cleaner energies that will enable us to achieve renewable production that can supply the energy needs of our region in the industrial, domestic and transport fields.