Energy Return On Investment - EROI

Definition of 'Energy Return On Investment - EROI'

The amount of energy that has to be expended in order to produce a certain amount of energy. The energy return on investment (EROI) is a key determinant of the price of energy, as sources of energy that can be tapped relatively cheaply will allow the price to remain low. The ratio decreases when energy becomes scarcer and more difficult to extract or produce.

Investopedia explains 'Energy Return On Investment - EROI'

The EROI for oil has decreased dramatically over the past hundred years. The amount of energy required to produce one barrel of oil has decreased as superior methods, such as fracking, have been introduced.

EROI = Energy Output/Energy Input