How much oil shale technology has developed will become much more apparent in the commercial applications.

Part of the concept of the RD&D (research, development and demonstration) leases is not only to prove the technology but also the economic viability of the technology.

Kazakhstan will also benefit from its partnership with CNPC, through improvements in oil and gas exploitation technology and supply to the local market.

If something was drastically overlooked, it wouldn't have the widespread impact that things did back in the 1970s and 1980s when it didn't work out the first time.

It's hard to make a convincing case that we're reaching peak oil production. It's really a technology issue. The question is how quickly is technology going to advance and will it advance as quickly as demand.

Some technology stocks are being cut because of concern that high oil prices and rising interest rates will hurt demand for electronics.