--> Abstract: Natural Gas from Coal in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB): From Concept to Reality, by Daniel K. Allan; #90039 (2005)

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Natural Gas from Coal in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB): From Concept to Reality

Daniel K. Allan
APF Energy, Calgary, AB

The development of natural gas from coals within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) has evolved rapidly within the last year. During a very short period of time economical production has been achieved over a 100 mile fairway in central Alberta. The catalyst for this impressive growth has been the development of “dry” CBM production from the Upper Cretaceous Horseshoe Canyon formation. The vast majority of this resource can be produced with no appreciable water therefore leading to rapid gas production. Over the last eighteen months NGC production from the Horseshoe Canyon coals has increased to approximately 100 mmcf of gas per day. Current industry assessments estimate that this volume will continue to increase exponentially. Of perhaps more significance are initial indications of commercial production from the Lower Cretaceous Upper Mannville coals. These coals constitute the vast majority of natural gas reserves within the WCSB. Should this development trend continue, an estimated 5,000 NGC wells may be on production within the next 5years. With development in both the Horseshoe Canyon and Upper Mannville coals, it is forecast that NGC production may account for close to 10% of the natural gas production in the WCSB by the end of the decade.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005