--> Abstract: Exploration Potential for Coalbed Methane in Northern Louisiana, by Warren Schulingkamp; #90078 (2008)

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Exploration Potential for Coalbed Methane in Northern Louisiana

Warren Schulingkamp
Louisiana Geological Survey, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA

Coalbed methane (CBM) production has become well established in many basins of both the eastern and western United States. Exploration and production of CBM in the Tertiary Gulf Coast Basin has lagged behind these other basins, although the presence of lignitic coals in the Paleocene/Eocene Wilcox Formation has long been known. Some possible reasons for this lack of interest may be the perceptions that the Wilcox coals are immature (lignite) and that the extent and thicknesses of these coals is poorly known. Recent and ongoing studies of Wilcox coals in northern Louisiana, by the Louisiana Geological Survey and by others, have refuted these perceptions and demonstrated the potential for CBM in northern Louisiana. Sixteen CBM wells were drilled in 2006, and 26 wells have been spudded in 2007 as of October 1, showing that industry interest in Louisiana's CBM is increasing. Production rates of Louisiana CBM wells are not high, averaging about 45 mcfd per well. Nevertheless, shallow drilling depths, an in-place oil and gas infrastructure, and an increasing demand for natural gas demonstrate that there is still potential for more discoveries of CBM in this well-explored oil and gas province. Regional studies at the Louisiana Geological Survey to determine the extent and total reserves of Louisiana CBM are ongoing.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas