Shale Gas Development Presentation to: APEC Unconventional Natural Gas Workshop Sally Kornfeld Team Leader – International Oil and Gas Activities Office of Fossil Energy November 14, 2012
National Petroleum Council Reports: Dramatic Change in Gas Supply “North American and U.S. natural gas production is likely to lag projected demand growth over the study time frame, requiring significant growth in LNG imports…. Forecasts range from 2.5 percent of U.S. supply to 16 to 18 percent by 2030.” - National Petroleum Council, 2007 “As a result of drilling technology advances and the emergence of the recent ‘game changing’ shale gas plays, the gap between U.S. demand and production Is closing rapidly and likely to reduce greatly the future need for LNG imports.” - National Petroleum Council, 2011
Shale gas offsets declines in other U.S. production sources U.S. dry gas production trillion cubic feet per year Source: EIA, Annual Energy Outlook 2012 Early Release 2% Non-associated offshore ProjectionsHistory Associated with oil Coalbed methane Non-associated onshore Shale gas % 7% 9% 7% 21% 23% 9% 7% 49% Alaska 1% Tight gas 26% 21%
Energy Security: U.S. Becomes Self-sufficient in Natural Gas 4 U.S. dry gas billion cubic meters per year Source: EIA, Annual Energy Outlook 2012 Early Release Projections History 2010 Consumption Domestic supply Net imports
North American Shale Plays
Conventional vs. Unconventional Resource Play Source: U.S. Geological Survey Or “continuous” …
Deregulation, Tax Incentives and Government R&D Facilitated Unconventional Gas DOE CBM R&D DOE Shale Gas R&D Section 29 Credit Natural Gas Policy Act, 1978 Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act, 1989 Shale Gas Coalbed Methane
Tight Sands Single-stage HF Tight Sands Single-stage HF Tight Sands Multi-stage HF Tight Sands Multi-stage HF Shale – horiz well + Multi-stage HF Shale – horiz well + Multi-stage HF Multi-stage hydraulic fracture stimulation (HF) unlocks gas in unconventional reservoirs 1850’s to present 1950’s to 1990’s 1990’s to present 2000 to present Conventional Reservoir Conventional Reservoir Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation - The Key to Today’s Natural Gas Revolution
Hydraulic Fracturing
Well Bore Integrity Key to Environmental Protection Multiple layers of Protection Conductor casing is set and cemented Surface Casing is cemented below deepest aquifer Surface casing is cemented to surface Production casing inside surface casing to formation Production casing cemented back to surface Steel production tubing Internal plastic coating on tubing to prevent corrosion
Composition of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Source: ARI, 2009 after Arthur, J. D., et al, 2008
Shale Gas Far Below Useable Groundwater COMPARISON OF TARGET SHALE DEPTH AND BASE OF TREATABLE GROUNDWATER Source: 2009 Shale Gas Primer
Water Management is Critical for Shale Gas Development Phases of water management for shale gas development ●Withdrawal ●Transport ●Storage ●Use (drilling and fracturing) ●Treatment and reuse/recycle ●Treatment and disposal Logistics, costs, water volume/scale of operation, and timing DOE is sponsoring a number of studies on water management for shale gas production 13 Courtesy of All Consulting, Inc.
Secretary of Energy Advisory Board Recommendations Manage short-term and cumulative impacts on communities, land use, wildlife, and ecologies Protect water resources Disclosure of fracturing fluid composition Identify research and development needs Create a public, national portal improving public information. Organize for sharing best practices Improve communication among state and federal regulators Reduce use of diesel fuel in fracturing
EPA: Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources Best available science Independent sources of information Transparent, peer-reviewed process Consultation with others Next Steps: Publish an interim report of results in 2012 Provide additional results in a 2014 report EPA Shale Gas Study
Available Resources: In 2009, DOE and the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) published “Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States: A Primer,” an in- depth analysis of Shale Gas development, including water management and disposal issues related to shale gas stimulation and production. In 2009, DOE helped fund GWPC publishing a comprehensive review of regulations designed to protect water resources nationwide. This report, “State Oil and Natural Gas Regulations Designed to Protect Water Resources,” includes a detailed look at current state oil and gas regulations intended to protect water resources, including regulations related to hydraulic fracturing and waste handling. Available at and
Successful Regulatory Strategy A successful regulatory strategy… Mitigates adverse impacts Scientifically quantifies risks Ensures public safety Protects environment GOAL: Clear rules and regulations to encourage investment while protecting public safety and environment.
IEA Projects Rise in World Unconventional Gas Production 18 IEA, “Golden Rules for a Golden Age of Gas,” 2012
Below Ground: Favorable Geology Technology – Including U.S. Government R&D Infrastructure – pipelines and domestic industry Above Ground: Stabile & Transparent Regulatory/Taxes/Fiscal Terms Developed Gas Markets Ease in Leasing Factors in U.S. Shale Gas Success
Factors in Global Shale Gas Development Additional Factors to those in U.S.: Access to: Resources, Gas Treatment, Pipelines, and Markets Ability/Willingness to Import Expertise: Investment Climate: Huge Capital Required Equipment People (Visa support) Great Potential, BUT: In infancy – shale geology not yet proven You never know if it is economic until drilled!! Shale Gas Wells Drilled (PFC Energy)
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