Final answer:
Gasoline production from tar sands is pursued because it provides a net energy gain, despite a lower EROEI, due to the vastness of reserves and economic viability as conventional sources are depleted. Demand for petroleum drives the exploitation of various crude oil sources, and new technologies support this continued use of tar sands.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking why the production of gasoline from tar sands is pursued despite the low ratio of energy needed for production to the energy content of the gasoline produced. This method is typically sought after because the energy return on energy invested (EROEI) for tar sands can be around 3:1, which, while lower than that of conventional oil, still represents a net energy gain. Producers pursue tar sand gasoline because of the large volume of reserves and the potential profit from these operations. In addition, as conventional oil sources deplete, other forms of petroleum, like those found in tar sands, become more economically viable despite the higher energy costs associated with their extraction and processing.
Another factor in the consideration is the demand for petroleum products, which continues to drive exploration and use of diverse sources of crude oil, including challenging ones like tar sands. It's important to note, however, that as the EROEI decreases, the environmental concerns associated with energy production, such as emissions and fracking-related pollution, become more pronounced. Despite these challenges, the vast reserves in places like Alberta's tar sands and new technologies keep such sources attractive to the industry.