IOGCC: Alaskans press for gas development

http://www.ogj.com/display_article/3...

Alan Petzet
Chief Editor-Exploration

ANCHORAGE, May 13 -- The rest of the world will capitalize on the development of clean natural gas even if the US delays, speakers told the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission on May 12 in Anchorage.

Both the Lower 48 and Alaska gas will be needed in 2018-20, said Mark Myers with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

Other countries such as China and Japan that have fewer supply options likely will snap up LNG, Myers said. LNG will go there because it will bring higher value than in North America.

Alaska has 85 tcf of unconventional gas resources on top of its vast conventional endowment, Myers said.

Infrastructure is in place except for the proposed 4.5 bcfd, 48-in. pipeline to northern Alberta, he noted.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Washington policymakers don't realize that delaying exploitation of Alaska's onshore gas and putting off exploration for offshore gas will result in greater greenhouse gas emissions in the interim until more renewable energy sources can be brought into play.

Contact Alan Petzet at alanp@ogjonline.com.