How Much Human Energy Is Contained in One Barrel of Oil?
Computation attributed to David Pimentel
1 Barrel of Oil = 5,800,000 BTUs
Source: Louisiana Oil and Gas Association
1 Gallon of Gas = 125,000 BTUs
Source: US Department of Energy
1 Barrel of Oil thus contains the energy contained in 46.4 gallons of gas
(5,800,000 divided by 125,000 = 46.4 )
1 Gallon of Gas = 500 hours of human work output
Source: Calculations Done Above.
1 Barrel of Oil = 23,200 Hours of Human Work Output
(Energy equivalent of 46.4 gallons of gas per barrel of oil x 500 hours of human work output per gallon of gas = 23,2000 hours)
