The need for energy for domestic and commercial purposes is world-wide and rapidly increasing. IN most parts of the world, the most critically needed forms of energy are hydrocarbons, which are the source for motor fuels needed for transportation and for the easily transportable, high-Btu-content gases used for domestic purposes and for power generation. The widespread occurrence of organic containing rocks, or oil shale, throughout the world make this material a possible substitute, particularly for petroleum ad natural gas, as a source of fossil energy.