OIL-SHALE AS AN ENERGY-SOURCE IN ISRAEL

Reserves, characteristics, energetics, chemistry, and technology of Is raeli oil shales are described. Oil shale is the only source of energy and the only organic natural resource in Israel. Its reserves of abou t 12 billion tons will be enough to meet Israel's requirements for abo ut 80 years. The heating value of the oil shale is 1,150 kcal/kg, oil yield is 6%, and sulfur content of the oil is 5-7%. A method of oil sh ale processing, providing exhaustive utilization of its energy and che mical potential, developed in the Technion, is described. The principa l feature of the method is a two-stage pyrolysis of the oil shale. As a result, gas and aromatic liquids are obtained. The gas may be used f or energy production in a high-efficiency power unit, or as a source f or chemical synthesis. The liquid products can be an excellent source for production of chemicals.