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Eye on the Market | October 22, 2012
J.P.Morgan

The most important energy developments of 2012: how countries are planning for Independence Day

I: What might US energy independence look like?
Rising crude oil production in Texas and North Dakota has contributed to a reversal of the long-term US production decline. The latest data (June 2012) show North Dakota now ahead of Alaska’s North Slope.

[Chart: Crude oil production by region]
Million barrels crude oil production per day
Texas, Alaska, Federal Offshore Gulf of Mexico, North Dakota
Source: US Energy Information Administration.

[Chart: Total US crude oil production]
Million barrels crude oil production per day
Source: US Energy Information Administration.

The growth in US domestic production is notable, but on its own insufficient to result in energy independence since the US still imports ~9 mm bpd of oil. But when combined with other factors affecting demand and supply, the concept of energy independence comes into view over the next couple of decades. What is “energy independence”? After some adjustments (and I may be underestimating some of them), US net imports could fall to 4-5 mm bpd, a level which can be met by imports from countries with historically reliable economic and political linkages to the US (everything is relative). The point is not that reduced US crude imports will lower oil prices; countries like China with growing oil needs may offset that. What matters here are the economic and geopolitical benefits from (a) not having to design military and foreign policy objectives based on energy security to the degree the US has over the last 30 years³, and (b) being able to reap the growth, employment and current account benefits of domestically sourced-oil and natural gas.

What US energy independence might look like
US net crude oil imports, million barrels per day

[Bar Chart Data]
2012: Net Imports
2025 Projection: Net Imports, Displaced by Natural Gas Vehicles, Reduced consumption: CAFE standards and Auto Replacement Cycle, Net increase in domestic production
Current US imports: Col/Brazil, Mexico, Canada

Source: US Energy Information Administration, JPMAM.

For a review of the assumptions in this chart, see page 3; otherwise, skip to page 4.

³ See “Addicted to Oil: Strategic Implications of American Oil Policy” from the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army. The piece outlines 4 pillars to U.S. national interests: defense of the homeland, promotion of U.S. democratic values, creation of a favorable world order, and enhancement of the nation’s economic well-being. According to the authors, each has been negatively impacted by US demand for foreign oil. They believe that U.S. foreign policies that support repressive oil states are diametrically opposed to American values, and reversed the 20th century trend of the U.S. fighting against totalitarianism and in favor of liberty, and in turn caused the U.S. to lose the “war for ideas” that is critical to wining the “war on terror”.

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