PTTC's West Coast Region Holds its First Alaska WorkshopPTTC's West Coast Region held its first Alaska workshop, "Coal Bed Methane Opportunities for Independents," on March 3rd in Anchorage. The workshop, which more than 80 people attended, brought together Alaskan independent producers, legislators, native corporations, and petroleum-related regulatory agencies. Together, the participants began to address the steps required to launch the state's coalbed methane industry. Alaska's estimated coalbed methane gas resources total about 1000 tcf (150 billion barrels of oil equivalent). For this type of shallow natural gas industry, a demonstration project is needed using advanced drilling and completion technology suitable for Alaska.
Eagle River, Alaska - Arco's bob Swenson explains the
regional Leo Schrider, PTTC Chair, briefed the audience on the technology transfer program in other parts of the country. The workshop was preceded by a field trip to the Upper Cook Inlet exploration activities north of Anchorage. Three people played a key role in organizing the event: Jim Clough, with the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys; Charlie Baker with the US Geological Survey in Denver; and Iraj Ershaghi, director of PTTC's West Coast Region. "I certainly hope that by next year, the proposed demonstration site is in place as an impetus to small producers in serving the energy needs of rural communities in Alaska," explained Ershaghi. For further information, contact Iraj Ershaghi at phone 213-740-8076, e-mail ershaghi@archie.usc.edu. |
