There is a new technology coming on line that requires no water and has zero emissions. It utilizes microwaves in a vacuum environment. It is useful for abandoned wells, shale oil, oils sands and residual oil (waste oil at the refinery). In addition, this technology is being installed commercially at an auto recycling center in NY state. Apparently it can convert any hydrocarbon bearing material, i.e. tires, moldings, water bottles, into distillate fuels and natural gas directly. It has a 17 to 1 energy produced to energy used ratio.

Pop Science featured the company not too long ago.

This is very promising. I hope it isn't bought and buried by an oil concern. This is not going to further alternative energy but it may stretch out the inevitable.

Due diligence statement: I won't mention the name of the company here as I am a minor (micro, minuscule) shareholder.