Ton of Oil Equivalent (TOE) is an internationally agreed unit of measurement representing energy. TOE measures the energy produced by burning one ton of crude oil. Since not all oil has the same chemical composition, an average value proposed by the International Energy Agency (IEA) is used.
What is the value of one ton of oil equivalent?
The value recommended by the IEA for one ton of oil equivalent (TOE) is 11.63 MWh. Therefore, we have:
- 1 TOE = 11.63 MWh
- 1 TOE = 11,630 kWh
- 1 TOE = 10.0066921606 gigacalories
- 1 TOE = 39,652,608.74 BTU
- 1 TOE = 1.4285714285714 tons of coal
So, when we hear in the news that your energy company has increased the price of gigacalories, we should know that to obtain 10 gigacalories, the company would need to burn one ton of oil. It also gives us an idea about the efficiency of green energy and its importance. A production of 11,630 kWh is equivalent to the energy obtained by burning one ton of oil every hour.
Why is oil important?
The modern world relies heavily on oil, which is used for transportation and petrochemicals. Gasoline, diesel, propane, kerosene, bitumen, oils, and even sulfur are direct products obtained in refineries. Additionally, petrochemical industries produce items such as various types of plastics. It is said that over 6,000 products are derived from oil.
Oil refining
Being so important, countries strive to secure their oil sources. When someone interferes with these interests, major powers may provoke armed conflicts over oil, often referred to as “black gold.”
Why is green energy important?
Green energy from renewable sources reduces the amount of oil and coal that must be burned to produce electricity or heat. Hydropower, solar panels, wind farms, geothermal energy, tidal energy, biomass, biogas, biofuels, and synthetic fuels all help us move away from oil and reduce pollution. These sources contribute to a higher quality of life and, importantly, decrease dependence on imported oil.
Oil cannot be completely eliminated from industry—it is far too important—but the amount consumed and the demand for oil can be reduced, which directly affects its international price and the global influence of oil-exporting countries (Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, Venezuela).
Electric vehicles and green energy contribute to a better future, cleaner air, and a life where smoke and pollutants belong to an old, outdated world.
