Energy related sustainability analysis of shale oil retorting technologies

The research proposes an energy related performance evaluation method of shale oil production industry based on definition and analysis of energy balance indicators. Shale oil production quantitative data of the Viru Keemia Grupp Oil AS plant located in Kohtla Jarve (Estonia) is used for the analysis. Results are summarised in the form of a comparative analysis of indicators of two shale oil production technologies (Kiviter and Petroter). Developed indicators are a useful tool for improvement of fuel production technological processes and for accessing the resource efficiency of potential alternative retorting technologies. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.