In April 2011, we published the first comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shale gas obtained by hydraulic fracturing, with a focus on methane emissions. Our analysis was challenged by Cathles et al. (2012). Here, we respond to those criticisms. We stand by our approach and findings. The latest EPA estimate for methane emissions from shale gas falls within the range of ...

N accessible shale deposits have dramatically increased global gas reserves and are touted as a bridge to a clean energy future. For example, in the U.S., where shale gas is projected to comprise 49% of national natural gas production by 2035, proponents argue that shale gas production can provide energy independence, create employment, and stimulate regional economies. Amidst this optimism, ho...

Oil Shale One alternative source of energy is the extraction of the organic components of oil shale to yield oil and gas. shale deposits occur throughout the United States.. The release of the energy yielding organic fraction from oil shale has been brought about by retorting the oil shale at temperatures above 500° C and distillating the organic material. in the form of spent oil shale ash. A ...

This paper considers the upstream oil and gas domain, or more precisely the daily production optimization problem in which production engineers aim to utilize the production systems as efficiently as possible by for instance maximizing the revenue stream. This is done by adjusting control inputs like choke valves, artificial lift parameters and routing of well streams. It is well known that the...

Shale gas is currently being explored in Europe as an alternative energy source to conventional oil and gas. There is, however, increasing concern about the potential environmental impacts of shale gas extraction by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). In this study, we focussed on the potential impacts on regional water resources within the Baltic Basin in Poland, both in terms of quantity and qua...

The wetting properties of solid surfaces are significant in oil/gas and liquid displacement processes. It is difficult for hydrophobic fluids to permeate channels filled with hydrophilic particles and an aqueous phase, and this is thought to be the primary cause of low yields in low permeability reservoir operations. Using three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann simulations, we show that particles ...

In the rapidly developing shale gas industry, managing produced water is a major challenge for maintaining the profitability of shale gas extraction while protecting public health and the environment. We review the current state of practice for produced water management across the United States and discuss the interrelated regulatory, infrastructure, and economic drivers for produced water reus...

The use of horizontal drilling and multistage hydraulic fracturing technologies has enabled the production of immense quantities of natural gas, to date principally in North America but increasingly in other countries around the world. The global availability of this resource creates both opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed in a timely and effective manner. There seems little...

At the Changning block and at Luzhou block, genetic mechanism of low-resistivity shale its impact on reservoir quality are currently a hot topic world-wide scale. Shale with resistivity lower than 20 Ω·m is widely developed Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in Southern Sichuan Basin, bringing considerable challenge for prediction using electromagnetic method. This paper discusses mechanisms qualities t...

Although Osborn et al. (1) provided important geochemical measurements of dissolved methane in a portion of the Appalachian basin, their report does not fully appreciate the geologic history of this region and misrepresents potential risks of modern drilling and completion techniques used to develop shale-gas resources. The fear that hydraulic fracturing is responsible for methane migration fro...