Simple math shows that a marginal gas or oil well has a power density at least 22 times that of a wind turbine while a nuclear power plant has a power density that is more than 8 times that of a solar photovoltaic facility.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Gamma-ray emitters bounce atomic particles off rock formations to see the size, density and flow of oil reservoirs.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Unlike oil, the dye has the same density as the surrounding water, does not coagulate or form slicks, and is not subject to chemical breakdown by bacteria or other forces.

FORBES: Summer Beach Season Ruined? Computer Simulation Shows BP Oil Spill Could Reach Atlantic Soon

Chu conceded that oil is a unique fuel, pairing high energy density with ease of transport.

FORBES: Energy Sec Chu Says Global Warming Is Real; Nat Gas Will Be Bridge Fuel

Nor can they compare to the power density of sources like natural gas, oil and nuclear.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The density, scalability, and portability of oil, gas, and coal make them affordable, reliable, and flexible for average consumers.

FORBES: Oil & Gas Isn't Just One Of The Richest Industries, It's Also One Of The Safest

Sweet light crude oil yields the most gallons of gasoline per barrel of oil and since it has low viscosity and low density, it is comparatively inexpensive to pump, transport, and refine.

FORBES: China's Not Going Green

Oil is found in relatively few places, and its energy density, pumpability and ease of use in internal-combustion engines makes it particularly well suited as a transportation fuel.

ECONOMIST: Unconventional gas

While conspiracy theorists may want to believe that Big Oil, Big Coal and Big Nuclear are stifling the growth of renewables, the simple truth is that coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear can satisfy the Four Imperatives: power density, energy density, cost and scale.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The majority new oil being developed are heavy, sour crude oils which have a high sulfur content, high viscosity, and high density.

FORBES: China's Not Going Green