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World Oil Outlook - Opec

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126<br />

The Reference Case sees biofuels supply increase by close to 5 mb/d from 2010,<br />

to reach 6.6 mb/d by 2035 (Table 3.7). The future economics of second and third<br />

generation biofuels, however, represent a large degree of uncertainty as to what extent<br />

biofuels may contribute to supply. One key variable that may affect these developments<br />

is oil prices: major departures from the Reference Case assumption, either<br />

higher or lower, could result in relatively large impacts upon biofuels supply levels in<br />

the future.<br />

OPEC upstream investment<br />

OPEC Member Countries have continuously played a positive key role in satisfying<br />

the world’s energy needs, in supporting oil market stability, and investing along the<br />

whole oil supply chain in an adequate and timely manner. Even in the face of large<br />

uncertainties about future oil demand, OPEC Member Countries continue to invest<br />

heavily in exploration, development, refining and transport in order to maintain and<br />

expand supply capacities. This is a clear reflection of their objective to support stability<br />

in oil markets, as has been clearly stated in OPEC’s Statute and Long Term Strategy.<br />

As was indicated in Chapter 1, OPEC crude oil spare capacity is expected to rise<br />

to beyond 5 mb/d as early as 2013/2014. In 2011, total OPEC sustained capacity<br />

averaged over 34 mb/d, while the total supply averaged to 29.79 mb/d. This rising<br />

trend is expected to continue over the medium-term, especially given that the call on<br />

OPEC crude is foreseen to remain approximately flat.<br />

According to the latest list of upstream projects in OPEC’s database, Member<br />

Countries are undertaking or planning around 116 development projects during the<br />

five-year period 2012–2016. This corresponds to an estimated investment of about<br />

$270 billion, and demonstrates the scale of OPEC’s portfolio of projects. It is estimated,<br />

given Reference Case assumptions and projections, as well as the natural decline<br />

in existing fields, that total OPEC liquids capacity will rise by 5 mb/d over the period<br />

2012–2016, although investment decisions and plans will obviously be influenced by<br />

various factors, such as the the global economic situation, policies and the price of oil.<br />

Accordingly, OPEC’s spare capacity will stay at healthy levels.<br />

It is important to stress, however, that given the nature of the industry, particularly<br />

in terms of the often long-lead times for projects and high upfront costs, striking<br />

the right balance for investments will continue to be a major challenge.

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