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Ingrained in our world history, people have been using wind energy for thousands of years. As early as 5,000 BC, wind was used to propel boats along the river Nile. In 200 BC, wind-powered water pumps were being integrated in China and windmills were grinding grain in the Middle East.
American colonists used windmills to grind grain, pump water, and cut wood at sawmills. Homesteaders and ranchers installed thousands of wind pumps as they settled the western United States. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, small wind-electric generators (wind turbines) were also widely used.
The US federal government supported research and development of large wind turbines. In the early 1980s, thousands of wind turbines were installed in California, largely because of federal and state policies that encouraged the use of renewable energy sources.
Small wind turbines were used as electricity in remote and rural areas. 1970s - Oil shortages changed the energy environment for the US and the world. The oil shortages created an interest in developing ways to use alternative energy sources, such as wind energy, to generate electricity.
According to IPD Latin America estimates, Venezuela's refinery throughput has been less than 300,000 b/d, or roughly one-fifth of its nameplate capacity.17 Venezuela has worked with Iran to supply fuel as well as refining materials, spare parts, and technicians to restart the refineries.
Despite the sizeable reserves, Venezuela produced 0.8% of total global crude oil in 2023. Most of Venezuela's proven oil reserves are extra-heavy crude oil from the Orinoco Belt.
Much of Venezuela's crude oil production capacity and infrastructure have suffered from a decade-long lack of capital and regular maintenance. Chevron's earlier exemption increased its production to 135,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2023, and we expect Chevron's output in Venezuela to reach 200,000 b/d by the end of 2024.
Of Venezuela's six refineries, only five remain operational, all running at no more than 20% of total capacity. The country's aging refining system, plagued by frequent shutdowns and low output, has deteriorated after years of underinvestment, poor management and international sanctions that have limited access to spare parts.
