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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EUB RELEASES ALBERTA COALBED METHANE REPORTS
Calgary, Alberta (October 22, 2003) The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS), a part of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB), today released two scientific reports on coalbed methane (CBM).
Production potential of Coalbed Methane Resources in Alberta examines the factors that can affect CBM producibility in the province. Chemical and Physical Hydrology of Coal, Mixed Coal-Sandstone and Sandstone Aquifers from Coal-Bearing Formations in the Alberta Plains analyzes the chemical makeup of water associated with coalbed methane.
These studies represent the latest, most comprehensive scientific data available in the province about CBM.
Findings from the studies include:
- Maximum gas-in-place for the Plains and Foothills regions is estimated to be greater than 500 trillion cubic feet (tcf). It is not yet known what quantity of the 500 tcf can be produced based on current technology and economic conditions.
- Water production from CBM production varies in chemical quality depending on the region of the province and which coal formation is being sampled.
Funding for these studies was provided by the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI).
AGS provides geoscience information needed by government, industry and the public for earth resources stewardship and sustainable development.
The EUB ensures that the discovery, development and delivery of Alberta's resources take place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest.
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This news release and backgrounder are available on the EUB Web site at http://www.ercb.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Darin Barter
EUB Communications
Phone: 403-297-4116
Fax: 403-297-3757
Email: darin.barter@gov.ab.ca
NR 2003-39
Backgrounder
Funding from Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI) and the EUB enabled the studies to be completed.
What is Coalbed Methane (CBM)?
CBM is natural gas that is attached to coal seams rather than trapped in the pore space of rock as is most conventional natural gas. It is considered 'sweet gas' and is near-pipeline quality when produced so it doesn't require extensive processing.
What prompted the studies?
The development of CBM is in its early stages in Alberta. The studies stemmed from the recognition that CBM is poised to play a bigger role in meeting the demand for natural gas as well as Albertans' desire for more Alberta-specific CBM related information.
What is unique about these studies?
These studies represent the latest, most comprehensive scientific data available in the province about CBM.
How will the results be used?
EUB is responsible to ensure Albertans have access to energy industry information. Often, industry uses scientific studies to assist in making business decisions and private citizens use the information as a resource for any number of reasonsfrom education to EUB hearing reference documents.
Will the study results lead to a change in regulations related to CBM?
Existing EUB regulations are sufficient to ensure the safe, responsible development of CBM in the province. However, a cross ministry steering committee is currently developing a public consultation program that may influence future CBM regulations.
With an estimated 500 trillion cubic feet of CBM gas-in-place, will concerns about gas reserves dissipate?
The 500 trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place indicates a significant amount of the resource is present in Alberta. The amount that actually be recovered with today's technology is unknown.
Study Highlights
Production Potential of Coalbed Methane Resources in Alberta [ESR 2003-03]
- Maximum gas-in-place for the Plains and Foothills has been estimated to be greater than 500 trillion cubic feet (tcf).
- It is still unknown, using current technology and based on economic conditions, what percentage of the CBM gas-in-place volume can be produced.
- Regional coal distribution and average gas-in-place concentrations are well established in Alberta.
- Each coal-bearing formation has different characteristics. In general, Alberta coal seams with the highest gas concentrations commonly have low permeability. Higher permeable coals have moderate to low gas concentrations.
Chemical and Physical Hydrology of Coal, Mixed Coal-Sandstone and Sandstone Aquifers from Coal-Bearing Formations in the Alberta Plains Region and Production Potential of Coalbed Methane Resources in Alberta [ESR 2003-04]
- Water quality in wells completed in shallow coal, mixed coal-sandstone and sandstone aquifers in Alberta generally meet Canadian water quality guidelines.
- Some individual chemicals in groundwater from coal may exceed drinking water guidelines that would limit the re-use of produced water from shallow CBM reservoirs.
- The response of coal and coal-bearing sandstone aquifers is complex and locally controlled.
For more information contact:
Darin Barter
Tel (403) 297-4116
Cell: (403) 651-9487
darin.barter@gov.ab.ca
