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Geology News
Energy Current Events

The American Chemical Society singles out ten technologies that could be making more headlines in 2010. Included are: residential solar power, aerogels for oil filtering, using shrimp shells in biodiesel conversion, germ-killing paint, a monthly flea pill for pets, and more noteworthy advances.

Physicians for Social Responsibility released a report titled: “Coal’s Assault on Human Health,” which reviews the potential impact of coal on human health. Coal combustion produces mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dozens of other substances known to be hazardous to human health.

Physicians for Social Responsibility was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1985.

The current cost of a barrel of oil is about $80. Some economists believe that if the price goes much higher it could put a damper on any economic recovery.

As the popularity of the big-screen TV rises, their collective energy consumption is increasing. Should regulations be placed on television sets to make them more efficient?

The Houston Chronicle has an article titled: “Oil prices, demand out of sync, CEO says”. It reports on comments by Rex Tillerson, CEO of Exxon Mobil.

Hess LNG is considering construction of an LNG (liquefied natural gas) facility on the Delaware River in Logan Township, New Jersey. BP gave up on siting an LNG facility at this location in 2008 when the state of Delaware would not allow them to extend a dock across the state boundary.

Canada’s oil sands resource is one of the most valuable resources in that country. Many people want to develop it and many others do not. Lisa Raitt, Canadian Natural Resources Minister and her staff are lobbying in the United States to promote development.

The International Energy Agency has released their “World Energy Outlook”. A few quotes….

“A continuation of current trends in energy use puts the world on track for a rise in temperature of up to 6°C and poses serious threats to global energy security.”

“As one of the consequences of the financial crisis, global energy use is set to fall this year… it will soon resume its upward trend if government policies don’t change… with demand increases by 40% between now and 2030.”

“Containing climate change is possible but will require a profound transformation of the energy sector.”

“Whatever climate policies are introduced, natural gas is set to continue to play a bridging role in meeting the world’s sustainable energy needs.”

Ken Salazar, Secretary of Interior, in a speech at the Great Plains Energy Expo, explained that oil, gas and coal will play a very important role in the energy future of the United States – even while climate initiatives work to increase the use of renewable sources of energy.

In the ranking of the world’s proven oil reserves, Canada stands behind only Saudi Arabia. Canada possesses an estimated 178.6 billion barrels of crude oil accessible using current technology. Of this reserve, 174 billion barrels are in Alberta’s Athabasca oil sand fields.

One of the objections to wind energy is the impact that it might have on local bat and bird populations. USGS bat specialist, Dr. Paul Cryan, is investigating this issue and provides a report in a USGS podcast.

The Arizona Geological Survey has received a $15.7 million grant that will enable them to lead the development of a national geothermal data system. Forty state geological surveys will be contributing state-specific geothermal data. Press release for this event.

A German news site reports on a geothermal contractor drilling a well that would be used for a home heating system. At a depth of 130 meters the well erupted into a geyser spraying 6000 liters of water per minute.

Warren Buffett (some think that he is an investment expert) is making large investments in coal-related companies. His Berkshire Hathaway fund acquired Burlington Northern Santa Fe, who gets 25% of their earnings from hauling coal, and made large investments in coal fired power companies.

The American Petroleum Institute has a video that explains the horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing processes. It explains the drilling, fracturing, equipment, materials and environmental concerns.

This is an excellent video from an authoritative source.

The American Petroleum Institute and PriceWaterhouseCoopers have prepared a report titled: “The Economic Impacts of the Oil and Natural Gas Industry on the U.S. Economy: Employment, Labor Income and Value Added”.

The Wall Street Journal has an article titled: “America’s Natural Gas Revolution: A ’shale gale’ of unconventional and abundant U.S. gas is transforming the energy market.”

Construction of a new nuclear plant is being planned for a site about 100 miles southwest of Houston, Texas. If built and licensed, it will be the first new plant in the United States in 30 years.

Nicaragua is thought to have more geothermal energy potential than any other country in Central America. Two Canadian companies are helping the country increase its geothermal capabilities.

A few years ago a number of LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminals were being planned to bring foreign natural gas into US markets. Then natural gas drillers began tapping shale reservoirs such as the Haynesville of Louisiana, the Barnett of Texas and the Marcellus of the Appalachian basin. The US natural gas and energy situations have been changed.

One of the largest wind farms in the world is being built in Texas. A-Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd., a Chinese company, will provide turbines costing $1.5 billion.

“At the end of 2008, domestic natural gas proved reserves reached their highest level since the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) began reporting them in 1977.” Quoted from the Energy Information Administration.

CSIRO and SP Ausnet are conducting a large study on hybrid electric cars and how their widespread use would affect the grid. When the vehicles are not in use, the batteries could power household items, or serve as a holding tank for excess energy.

The Mackenzie Valley Pipeline could be Canada’s largest construction project or it could be a casualty of an abundance of natural gas flowing from organic shales in many parts of the United States.

An article in the New York Times reports that Chesapeake Energy’s CEO said that they will not be drilling wells in watersheds that supply water to New York City. There are plenty of opportunities elsewhere.

An article on the Reuters website reports that coal use is expected to increase by 55 percent over the next 15 years with India and China contributing strongly to the rise.

Tony Hayward, CEO of BP, believes that in 2030 the world will consume about 30% more energy than it consumes today and that 80% of that energy will be derived from fossil fuels.

Bruce Vincent, incoming chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, says that ending the write-off of intangible drilling and development costs might cause significant drops in domestic oil and natural gas production.

Should Florida allow oil and gas drilling in their offshore waters? It could bring in a lot of revenue but it could also have an environmental impact. How much money and how much impact are key questions.

A report from the Energy Information Administration summarizes the current state of oil and gas development in the Arctic Ocean. The large number of shale plays in the United States and other areas will compete strongly with Arctic natural gas and may reduce incentives to drill there.