2013年8月30日星期五

Tight oil production growth can not be sustained

Dense oil situation is very similar. Two shale oil production up 81% of the nation's tight oil - South Texas Eagle Ford, as well as North Dakota and Montana Bakken.Fracturing proppant These two areas are in the new year well production dropped by about 60% after the second year of production only lasted less than 40% in the third year is less than 30% and continued to fall. Comprehensive old production wells, the whole field is the annual rate of decline of about 40%.
These fields can be used to maximum capacity depends on the maximum number of wells drilled.frac sand companies Can not be separated between wells too close, because it will draw on a reservoir with the reserves, increase costs, but can not increase the amount recoverable. EIA estimates Bakken and Eagle Ford oil can withstand the number of wells, almost three times the number of existing wells, or about 12,000 per oil wells.
Suppose now Bakken annual rate of drilling 1500 wells is maintained, it is expected to yield may rise to 100 million barrels / day. However, based on the Bakken EIA estimated the maximum number of drilling locations, production peaked in 2017.Proppant By then, can be used to drill additional wells will be exhausted, followed by attenuation of 40% annual yield. I do not agree with those who believe that Bakken production will be for many years to maintain a high level of view, this situation required number of wells, the number of more than meet the requirements of thousands of mouth.

Shale gas production is indeed false prosperity

Horizontal well drilling and hydraulic fracturing of this large-scale multi-stage two technological breakthroughs ,hydraulic fracturing has made mining impermeable rocks hidden in hydrocarbons as possible. In 2004, the U.S. level of less than 10% of natural gas wells , now it is 61%.
Globally, although many countries have set up demonstration projects , but most still come from shale gas production in North America . After experiencing a period of rapid growth, since the beginning of 2012 , production has remained at a relatively stable level. Shale gas production has grown from 2000 accounted for 2% of U.S. natural gas production , gas production increased to 2012 nearly 40 percent ; period of U.S. natural gas production grew by 25%. The oversupply led to a sharp drop in U.S. natural gas prices . Currently, the prices have been some slight rebound , but for many no liquid hydrocarbon production capacity of shale gas field , the result of low natural gas prices due to their lack of profitability.
Large-scale shale gas production first began in the Barnett Shale area 10 years ago and quickly spread to other regions.fracturing proppant Five shale gas production 80% of U.S. shale gas production in descending order by : Louisiana Haynesville, East Texas Barnett, across West Virginia , Pennsylvania and New York State Marcellus, Arkansas in Fayetteville, and Oklahoma Woodford.
Currently, there is a specific pattern have occurred . A shale gas field was discovered, one leasing boom ensues. In the United States , given the high oil and gas exploration and development risks and returns , the parties to balance the distribution of benefits and reduce the risks and reduce uncertainty , has long formed the oil and gas lease system . Private , federal or state government landowners , mineral interests in oil and gas resources will be granted to oil and gas developers, and developers have capital and technology , access to such mineral interest in the exploration, development and production. Then it is 3 to 5 years of natural gas boom, because if a given location is no longer producing gas lease sale will be terminated. Shale gas -rich region known as dessert, was first identified and drilling , and then determine its edge region . The average gas quality ( determined by the initial capacity ) to initially rise and then begin to decline.
Since 2010 , the five largest shale gas field in the United States there are four gas fields , the average yield has been declining. In the Haynesville, 2012 , the average yield of almost a third more than 2010 youth . Marcellus is an exception : in this young , huge shale fields , and still continue to be found and mined , its supply is still maintained growth.
A gas well production will decline rapidly within a few years . U.S.  shale gas  in five wells in the first three years after production fell by 80% to 95%. Represented by fitting hyperbolic production decline trend of industry practice , and infer the life of wells can reach 40 years or more, a little too optimistic. Available historical production data up to only a few years , therefore , not enough to be able to have such wells confirmed a long life . As production declines faster than the typical conclusion of these models , this method often overestimated ultimate recovery wells and economic indicators . U.S. Geological Survey assessment of recoverable amount , and sometimes even less than the industry touted recoverable amount of the half.
In order to maintain the supply of new wells must be drilled . In the Haynesville gas well, almost a year need to create 800 wells - almost 2012 the number of gas wells in service 1/3-- to maintain production levels in 2012 . Each well costs about $ 900 million investment , in order to maintain production was essentially flat drilling takes $ 7 billion annually , if coupled with leasing , infrastructure and interest , including the total cost is even higher.
From the United States point of view, this is equivalent to the new 7200 wells per year , spend at least $ 42 billion , they can only offset the decline in production . In order to maintain production to support the lower shale gas prices, drilling ventures can not be completely recovered from sales . In 2012, the U.S. shale gas output value of only 33 billion ( although some wells also produce a considerable amount of liquid hydrocarbon , thereby enhancing the economy ) . For non- production of liquid hydrocarbons shale gas field , even if just to keep ends meet , but also need to increase gas prices .
In order to maintain production of shale gas , the industrial sector needs a lot of money . Over time , the best and the dessert is drilled shale field is completed, maintain the supply costs will rise .Frac sand Many existing shale gas production is not economical , even if only to maintain production , we need higher gas prices , not to mention increase production up .

U.S. shale gas costs are underestimated

"Shale gas revolution" - not previously mined from shale reservoirs shale gas and shale oil - has been as an energy game changer.Unconventional gas It is traditional offset the decline in oil and gas production, including shale gas is treated as a low-carbon future transitional fuel, shale oil (also called tight oil) are considered to be able to make the United States to become the world's largest oil producing countries, and reduce oil imports.
These heady proposition has largely been including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), including government agencies to accept. BP predicts that by 2030, shale gas production will reach three times in 2011, tight oil production in 2011 will be based on an increase of 6 times.
These claims can not withstand careful scrutiny. By the California Santa Rosa in a "post-carbon institute" report "non-conventional fuels can open a new era of energy abundance do? ", The analysis of the United States, 30 and 21 dense shale gas fields, revealing the shale revolution will be difficult to maintain the reality. The study is based on widely adopted industry and government in the database 65000 Shale wells data.ceramic ball It shows shale and shale oil wells / gas production capacity has emerged as a steep downward trend. Many shale gas production costs have exceeded the current natural gas prices, the need to further increase the drilling and capital investment to maintain production.
While shale gas and tight oil extraction over a longer period of time to maintain a certain level above, but will likely yield more than the industrial sector and the government's optimistic forecast to be low. Unless prices rise significantly, or shale gas supply will decline sharply in the next decade. Around shale gas and tight oil,frac sand companies a more realistic discussion imminent - it needs to be sustainable, cost, and environmental impacts in further analysis.

Shift to saving society

Currently, many discussions have focused on in the end what kind of alternative energy sources should be developed,Hydraulic fracturing as well as in the end should be extended to what proportion of alternative energy. In fact, the more important question is, how to use energy. Must be developed to meet basic human needs, while consuming less energy strategy. In the real energy shortages before the start, it is necessary to take early measures of protection.

About the food system, an understanding that will lead to low energy input of labor increases. Therefore, this change can bring jobs to millions of farmers. In addition, a significant reduction in agricultural production must be adapted to nitrogen fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides used, because these chemicals are due to fossil fuel prices become expensive.

Transportation system must adapt to mobility generally lower, and is committed to improve energy efficiency.Proppant In the future society, it is possible to rely on walking and cycling, while vigorously promoting the development of electric cars and rail and other public transport.

Reduced mobility need urban design and land use policy changes. Urban communities to be more independent, the city shall be able to provide the adjacent suburbs of agricultural products; roof-mounted solar water heating systems using solar cookers are widely respected.

Solar and wind will produce intermittent electricity. We must build a good power storage system to resolve intermittent problems. Reconfigure the grid and distributed power generation model will solve the problem of intermittent power strategy.

In short, it will be a continuous growth from the transition to a conservation-minded society historical stage. With the control of human energy less and less, may not operate a consumer society.

But suppose this analysis is wrong, there is a miracle of new technologies, or energy ultimately proved to be rich is not scarce, but even so, the amount of energy use will lead to increased consumption of large quantities of natural resources,fracturing proppant resulting in wild nature system damage. The transition to conservation-oriented society conducive human society, and it helps the natural environment.

Improve energy efficiency and economic growth paradox

With population growth and energy scarcity near future per capita energy consumption will be less. Thus, whatever people are drawing a blueprint for a low-carbon or carbon,Ceramic proppant the results are the same, that is used in transportation, agriculture, and home heating and cooling energy is less and less, for the manufacture and use of electronic products increasingly energy less for the construction and maintenance of the city's less and less energy.

Efficiency may help people reduce energy consumption. On how to reduce energy inputs, relevant research has been carried out for decades. As to the present from incandescent bulbs LED lights, lighting electricity consumption decreased by 90%. However, energy efficiency efforts also subject to the constraints of the law of diminishing returns. Can not be in the case of energy, manufacturing and transportation of goods, and each time efficiency are meant to be used even more energy.

Humanity is at a crossroads. Since the industrial revolution, cheap and abundant energy driving the economy is growing, management elite is willing to participate in the discussion of how to develop the economy.

And now, I'm afraid discussions must focus on how to achieve economic contraction. Hard to imagine that politicians promised in campaign speeches to achieve economic crunch,ceramic ball which is tantamount to self-destruct. Original mode of thinking has been ingrained, but sooner or later reality will shatter the dream of the earth's resources endless growth.

Sooner or later, humans had to implement energy conservation policy, which means that you must increase efficiency, using less energy to provide the same service. It also means that you must reduce unnecessary energy consumption, rather than continue to increase demand for energy. Must begin to consider how to meet the basic minimum consumption of resources needs.

If you can plan ahead,frac sand then to a more sustainable, more flexible and less energy consuming sectors of the economy will shift more smoothly.

2013年8月29日星期四

Structural changes in the international energy impact analysis

If the future of China could overtake the United States rather than just "guest " world's first large country location imported oil ,  shale gas  revolution brought about by changes in the international energy structure will be more far-reaching implications , not only to the new international division of labor, but also affects the layout of industrial ecology and trade and other aspects.

First, the international energy structure changes greatly affected the distribution of the international energy market territory . First, the U.S. position in the international oil market will extend from the demand supply-side direction . Citigroup an analytical report that due to their increase in the amount of shale oil mining , oil and gas production in the United States is now the world 's fastest growing countries , the United States may in the future to achieve " energy independence" ,Ceramic proppant the report even including the United States , Canada, North America , including Mexico, known as the " new Middle East ." Second, with the U.S. foreign oil imports reduced, and many oil-exporting capacity needs through other channels to digest , and absorb the oil exporting countries on China 's surplus production capacity will play a more important role. Third, the pressure on the world's major oil-producing countries are not the same . Now it seems that the U.S. is a major reduction from Nigeria and other countries of the light oil , heavy oil, and for the major export markets of the Gulf countries , the United States still rely heavily on . Because the U.S. dependence on foreign oil decline , the United States is likely to further the future of the existing trading partners to be screened , and for places like Venezuela, the United States "do not like " countries , the United States is also likely to reduce the country 's oil from such imports.
Second, with the development of shale gas on the international energy prices play a role in repression , the United States re-industrialization process will get wheel drive . With the third industrial revolution accelerated process , the U.S. manufacturing sector will largely depend on production efficiency to overcome the disadvantages of scarce labor resources . Meanwhile, the U.S. manufacturing sector will help stabilize energy prices by lowering costs to regain price competitiveness .
Again, will bring new economic growth point , especially with the " shale gas" revolution approaching, the U.S. oil industry once again active. American Gas Association released a study shows that by 2015 ,frac sand companies shale gas on the U.S. contribution to GDP will reach $ 118 billion , about 800,000 Americans will thus get jobs , compared to the U.S. unemployment rate fell 0.5 percentage points.
In addition , the United States leading force in the international energy market opportunities for further strengthening. In the use of financial derivatives speculation , the international speculative capital not only for the energy needs of the United States subject to speculation, but also more energy supply capacity against the United States for speculation . Thus , the international market prices of the long and short of energy conversion pace will be more frequent , will add more uncertainty .

"Super America" ​​behind the structural changes in the international energy

With China's sustained economic development, China's dependence on imported oil for the increasingly high. From December 2012, China's average daily oil imports reached 612 million barrels, while the U.S. average daily volume of imports was only 598 million barrels a level, which is China's first monthly oil imports than the United States. However,frac sand China's oil imports "super beauty" structural changes in the international energy behind it are the background of this layer. In fact, as the U.S. shale gas development on traditional energy substitution effect gradually, U.S. dependence on imported oil will be reduced accordingly.
Although the United States in early 2013, oil imports have overtake China, at this stage can not say China will soon overtake the United States to become the world's biggest oil-importing countries, but the long-term perspective, China's imports of oil trade with the "super-beauty" possibilities. In 2012, the United States purchased from abroad, the total value of crude oil and oil products has dropped to a minimum of 20 years for the average daily volume of imports of 714 million barrels per day. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts, in 2014 the United States, including crude oil and petroleum products, including average daily net imports will be reduced to 600 million barrels, the lowest level since 1987, Proppant less than half the highest level in history. The same period, China's net imports of crude oil will average 572 million barrels per day, the United States is likely to form a "rear-end." By 2020, China's oil shortfall of 250 to 430 million tons. Since China does not have the massive expansion of oil production capacity to 2020, China's oil imports are likely to cross 300 million tons. If you follow this trend continues, China's oil import real "trend" rather than "temporary" to replace the United States should be a high probability event.
U.S. imports of oil trade position change behind shale gas revolution, and shale gas revolution for the world's energy structure is profound.
On the one hand, shale gas revolution to the world's energy is reflected in the structure of the internal natural gas resources on species composition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration statistics, in 2007, shale gas in the U.S. natural gas production in the proportion was only 8.1%, and by 2011, this proportion rose to 29.8%.
On the other hand, shale gas revolution, the impact on the world energy mix is ​​reflected in the change in the overall structure. From the International Monetary Fund released statistics difficult to see that in 2008, the U.S. market price per 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas per barrel of West Texas crude oil over the same period the parity of 3.202, while in 2012 it dropped to 1.097. Parity between different energy sources will produce changes in the allocation of resources to follow up the effect, help to improve the efficient and clean energy in the world energy mix proportion.
Shale gas revolution, in addition to improving the energy structure of the world play a catalytic role,fracturing proppant it will inevitably bring "friendly fire" effect. From the development of biofuels in terms of shale gas revolution will increase in large uncertainties in the development of bio-energy, alternative to traditional energy sources are not excluded from the process, the shale gas for bio-energy, it has a certain cost. " intercept "advantage, resulting in non-renewable energy renewable energy reverse exclusion.
In addition to oil and gas resources, in recent years, China's coal import dependence is also rising. Whether increased imports of oil or coal, are inseparable from China directly stimulating economic growth, but also inseparable from the U.S. shale gas revolution brought indirectly with the external environment.Unconventional gas Shale gas revolution, which reduces American dependence on foreign oil, the objective is to promote U.S. oil imports will eventually be the "first" position "so that" to China.

Oil central enterprises enjoy energy security bonus

With the development of world economy and global trade , China's economic security interests would be to expand globally , but it is not a one-way , but intertwined . With the development of technology and new energy industries , energy security ,Unconventional gas oil- changing center of gravity of the situation along with national energy security strategy should adjust , adapt technology and new energy industries decide the future of energy security concept. Current foreign oil dependence has significant energy security benefits, but it is imperative to establish fruitful refined oil market supervision system , to change the government 's functional role , dilute the oil central rate of the industry management functions , enhanced oil central rate of the market role, so that all kinds of ownership of market players equal competition in the oil industry , I believe that it is for the oil industry, the largest gain market-oriented reforms , the minimum cost of strategic opportunities.

Changes in world development trend of the mighty , there can enjoy the endless energy security dividends , oil central enterprises should know that micro-known Akira , rainy day. For example ,frac proppant according to current oil price level , electric vehicles can price , only one-third of the price of gasoline and cleaner energy conversion technology with the development of the existing oil pricing mechanism Paul won, but consumers can not be protected . The author has interviewed Shantou Natsuno General Electric Co., Ltd. Chen Zi Ping , He has a "behavioral energy" concept, and developed for use in remote appliance company to replace the remote company used cooking oil furnace . Technological advances such as this , all the time in the development of the market is changing all the time so now advantage of high oil prices , will one day be transformed into trouble disadvantage. Lenovo recently crazy pass " gas will rise sharply rumors ," NDRC price department "message is completely untrue ," voice hardly ever , Changchun and Handan on raised gas prices . From this perspective, not only oil central enterprises , many local governments are trying to push up gas prices , price increases are keen to grab energy bonus , which is a monopoly of thinking for worship . Why do U.S. gas prices cheaper ? A very important reason is that technological progress , thanks to hydraulic fracturing method of large area applications , the United States has been a large area of ​​shale gas development . Even more interesting is the development of shale gas is not a traditional energy giants , but as Michelle Energy Development Corporation such a small company . Therefore, with a view of traditional energy giant has lost the ability to produce cheap energy , but the author is more inclined to believe that Premier Li Keqiang spoke of " reform dividend" , oil and gas industry is now timely reform , as well as bonus released if missed opportunity,hydraulic fracturing dividends on will become negative price. Implementation of the party 's 18 report China's " economic construction, political construction, cultural construction, social construction and ecological civilization," " five one" overall layout , to implement the "State Council institutional reform and functional transformation program " in the oil and gas industries not only need to understand the concept is not confined to the existing pattern of interests , reformers need more courage and solid action .

Of consumer demand for oil is likely to have been at or near peak

As China's economic development,Ceramic proppant the rapid growth of oil consumption , the foreign dependency rising prices of energy management first is the opening price of oil , with international standards, which for the central enterprises to stay out of the oil dividend policy space, and according to market demand to expand imports also supported international oil prices , oil central enterprises achievements of today's market position. What is more important is that , so far, the oil supply to support sustained and rapid economic growth , has made its due contributions. Although the current refined oil pricing mechanism ,ceramic ball a certain sense is to give oil central enterprises bonus mechanisms, such as neglect or even at the expense of oil quality management , ignoring changes in exchange rates and domestic production of some important factors such as low cost , energy security means dividends even more pronounced. From the past to achieve the policy objective of energy security considerations, the existing mechanism is still worthwhile and should be in the affirmative. We should also clearly growing consumer demand and dependence on foreign oil , and the resulting low level of the oil industry market , oil central enterprises endogenous development , lack of motivation and lack of market-based refined oil market supervision system and other issues. From the global oil and strategic economic interests , which the Americans would like to see .

Ten years, international oil prices high, driven by growth in the global oil industry investment boom , so now the international market oil supply. Domestic According to Customs data , the first 4 months of this year , China imported 90.25 million tons of crude oil , down 0.9% , which is apparent oil demand since the first quarter of 2009 after the outbreak of the global financial crisis, down 2% since the second decline ; Meanwhile, a quarter of China's auto sales more than 540 million units,frac sand companies demand for oil pulling power is not small , but still not arrived in oil prices " short side " of energy . According to reports, gasoline and diesel in the first quarter export growth , though not absolute , but it should be oil central enterprises to market changes foresight important signal . There are signs , China's oil consumption demand is likely to have been at or near the peak , enter the inflection point . A quarter of the outbreak of large-scale haze , I had to judge this prolonged decline in oil prices is likely to be a landmark event , it seems a bit unfortunate omen fulfilled .

New energy development is the future strategic high ground.

August 1895, Edwin Drake, Lauren Chambers Colonel Titusville, Pennsylvania in the United States the use of advanced drilling tools to find oil, opened the prelude to the era of human oil consumption.Fracturing proppant 100 years later, in April 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama in Pennsylvania when you visit a wind farm in a speech, pushing the U.S. "energy independence" program, the goal is 10 years, U.S. oil imports by one third. Separated by 100 years, seemingly independent of each other two things, in fact, there is a close internal logic.

The discovery of oil for the United States 100 years to dominate the world oil market upper hand. Experienced the first time, World War II, as a major supplier of oil, the United States certainly knew about oil wars role. But in the two Iraq wars, the digital age of information technology, oil is to determine the outcome of the war is no longer the protagonist, the world will see clearly to Americans of course familiar with mystery. Over the years, oil dollar as another face, as well as the dependence on oil consumption, the United States has been moving towards cheap oil. U.S.  shale gas  revolution reduced dependence on oil consumption, while increasing oil chess Bureau diverted U.S. strategic mobility, low oil prices adversely U.S. new energy industry development, pushing up oil prices rise as China set a higher threshold, etc. . It is obvious that Obama chose the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania, choose to visit a wind farm, and speak about U.S. energy independence subtext is that oil consumption will continue, but increasingly strategic position convergence usual, new energy development strategy for the future ground. At the same time,frac sand the Chinese PV wind power for dual continuously deter speculation and offshore energy carrier channel security, pushing up the price of oil and other resource products to contain China in the oil chess Bureau of Obama's speech is a good comment.

2013年8月28日星期三

Shale energy industry is a highly competitive industry

Statoil Bakken shale production breakeven point of near $ 60 a barrel, which is approximately the company's portfolio of projects throughout the world average. This means that oil prices also need to drop a large extent,shale gas will let Bakken shale production became unprofitable.

However, if oil prices have more than enough, shale oil production could respond quickly. In the "traditional" and even large-scale offshore oil project, the vast majority of costs are pre-spending: spending to find oil and deployment of mining facilities. Once this is done, the marginal cost of a barrel of oil is quite low.

In the onshore shale oil project,frac sand companies the cost of drilling a well is much lower (possibly $ 10 million, while the cost of a well deepwater offshore projects as $ 100 million), but the rate of decline in production is also much faster, so needs through continuous drilling to maintain production.

If for whatever reason the world economy back into recession, causing oil prices really started to fall significantly, the U.S. economy of shale oil production will be tested.

With the gradual expansion of shale oil industry, it began to get involved in more challenging storage. For example, in North Dakota, mining increasingly concentrated in Sri Fox reservoir (Three Forks formation), which overlaps with the Bakken shale, but the location is deeper.

On the other hand,ceramic ball shale oil operators are also learning more mining methods, while also improving efficiency. Bakken Shale another large manufacturer, American Independent Petroleum Group Hess (Hess) said it has drilled a well in the local cost from $ 13.4 million a year ago fell in the first quarter of $ 8.6 million. Similarly, Continental Resources Inc. to drill a well last year, the average cost is $ 9.2 million, down $ 8.2 million currently intend.

Improve efficiency in response to the deteriorating geological conditions of competition, Horace said he was "quite optimistic that" manufacturers will catch up to the next decade,Ceramic proppant the breakeven price would come down.

He said: "This is a vibrant and competitive industry. Everyone is trying to progress in learning from each other."

The decline in oil prices depends on the rate of decline in mining costs.

The reason why harder than gas oil from shale mined because it is denser and more does not easily flow.Hydraulic fracturing In addition, although these storage are used horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technology (shale gas boom rely on these technologies) mined, but shale oil (or more broader category of the "tight oil" (tight oil)) mining costs, may be the most easy to exploit the Middle East crude oil extraction costs more than 20 times.

As long as oil prices near $ 100 a barrel, the U.S. shale oil production profit margins are still very impressive. U.S. independent oil prices Continental Resources Inc.Proppant (Continental Resources) is America's new oil boom hotspots - North Dakota Bakken Shale (Bakken Shale) of the major oil producers. The company said last year that the total cost of a barrel of oil equivalent (including production taxes, depreciation and loss account) of only $ 35. In 2012, the company increased production by 58%, profit growth of 72%.

Many small U.S. oil company situation is similar. Overall, U.S. crude oil production increased by nearly 50 percent so, 500 million barrels per day from 2008 lows in February this year rose to 720 million barrels per day.

Petroleum industry is expected that this growth will continue. For example, Continental Resources Inc.frac sand on the development of production growth to 2017, twice the target.

Statoil (Statoil) is the only one in the Bakken shale has considerable business of international oil companies. The company has developed to the late 2010s when the North American production increased more than twice the target, that is, from today, about 15 million barrels of oil equivalent per day increased to 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, and that the shale oil and shale gas contribution to production or 300,000 barrels a day of oil equivalent or more.

However, the company's vice president of U.S. onshore oil Thor Stein? Horace (Torstein Hole) warned that the expected increase in oil prices has a critical influence.hydraulic fracturing He said: "Our ability to achieve its objectives depends on the market and the production level of profitability."

High oil prices push shale oil production

Cure expensive "medicine" is expensive in itself.unconventional gas Commodity markets this highly respected folk wisdom in the past decade has been the test of the U.S. oil industry, and only to a certain extent been proved.

High oil prices for the U.S. oil industry's strong revival provided the opportunity. Today, the U.S. oil industry is growing at five years ago could not imagine a way to recover. shale gasThe surge in oil production and help lower global oil prices. Since the summer since 2011, crude oil prices have been in decline.

Prospects for oil prices depends on many factors, including the health of the global economy and OPEC (Opec, referred to as: OPEC) response initiatives.

However, if only from the American point of view, there are indications that, although oil prices are unlikely to return in 2009 of $ 33 per barrel in recent trough (back to 1999 low of less than $ 10 per barrel even more impossible ),Ceramic proppant but it is still about $ 95 per barrel from the current (benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil price) levels fall further.

Advances in mining technology to reduce production costs

Combined with improved seismic imaging, recession velocity and underground geologic model, these technological advances lead to more drilling program was more effective implementation,Fracturing proppant while the cost per well also declined. These are just some of the improvements in terms of efficiency, revenue also comes from the producers of their joint adjacent terrain area, rather than the dispersion of small-scale leases. Through the joint use of equipment and production staff turnover achieved economies of scale.

While we expect higher productivity growth, however, because the huge leap in technological progress is likely to disappear, the growth rate will likely occur after reaching diminishing returns.ceramic ball Combining these cases, in fact, focused on the production of the most resource-rich areas and easy to reach areas, which means that the rest of the mining areas will be faced with the challenge of declining productivity.ceramic proppant Overall, we expect the fastest growth in crude oil production is likely to disappear within the next two years and after a slowdown in 2015.

Step by step development of new technologies

Since the development of the mobile device, the mobility development drilling has increased.hydraulic fracturing With conventional drilling equipment can only move linearly compared to the mobile device is capable of 360 degrees activities. The mobile device capable of 30 ft / hr fast moving, because the device is no longer need to be removed and reinstalled in a new location, not only greatly reduces the time for movement of the device, but also saves costs.

This may be migratory in another multi-platform development drilling technology has a huge role. Simply put,fracturing proppant this means that the same position (platform) have more than one horizontal wells, which can reduce the floor space at the same time to maximize the depth below the surface.

Assuming the same position can play multiple wells, construction management issues will not have to worry:shale gas each well based on their geographical location and geological conditions necessary to conduct an independent investigation, assuming the distance near the well, then they will also be enhanced affinity and thus more easy exploration and exploitation. Increased mobility also means the movement between the platforms easier and bring fewer environmental and capital expenditures.

2013年8月27日星期二

Shale gas revolution in the energy infrastructure sector activate America

shale gas technology advances make the United States to become the world leader in the field of energy production is one of many large energy companies continue to increase in shale gas exploration and production areas of investment, making the United States energy infrastructure sector performance active. Over the past month, Chicago Bridge Iron and Steel Company's shares soared 20 percent,frac sand companies the U.S. leader in the field of energy infrastructure has become a "stock god" Buffett's favorite.

Analysts believe that the emergence of new drilling techniques to promote the U.S. natural gas output, but also to promote transportation and storage of natural gas companies to expand investment in infrastructure for gas liquefaction and storage, Proppant infrastructure engineering and construction spending growth so that benefit businesses. Estimated U.S. energy infrastructure needs $ 250 billion to $ 350 billion investment, the industry average annual growth rate will reach 8%.

Shale gas contamination risk arouses worries

Shale gas triggered by the " energy revolution " Masamori momentum , while mining the enormous water consumption , groundwater pollution problems began quietly affecting people's nerves .ceramic ball Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection Engineer ten thousand too 29 in Beijing , said the ministry has not yet received the current shale gas project environmental impact assessment application , but any future development project must strictly carry out environmental impact assessment .

By the end of 2012 , China conducted a second round of MLR bustling shale gas exploration bidding . However, according to media reports , compared to the previous spectacle successful business in the new shale gas exploration and development of the actual input level as yet no substantive .

It is understood , including shale gas exploration, drilling , well completion process , the core technology is horizontal drilling and  hydraulic fracturing   . World-renowned consulting firm Accenture released a report earlier , generally required for drilling and fracturing 18,927,000 liters of water , the equivalent of 1,000 trucks transported water . In addition to a huge amount of water , shale gas extraction wastewater generated contains hydrocarbons, heavy metals , salt , and a hundred kinds of chemical substances, if the infusion or perfusion layer below the requirements of the inappropriate choice will result in groundwater contamination .

" After all, drill into underground shale gas , drill through multiple aquifer" , ten thousand too that shale gas does cause risk of groundwater contamination . He also disclosed that the current Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences , Center for Environmental Assessment and other environmental research institutes under the Ministry of the Environment has developed the pros and cons of shale gas analysis report presenting the ministry .

Chinese population density, water scarcity and uneven distribution of seasonal water shortages distinctive characteristics. The concentrated distribution of shale gas in Sichuan , Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan and Guangxi and other regions, the complex geological conditions , underground river caves and more, increasing the difficulty of groundwater pollution prevention and control .

In ten thousand too seems to control the risk of groundwater contamination in shale gas development project before the environmental impact assessment must be carried out strictly on the possible water bodies, air and other environmental factors cause the system to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the risks . " If necessary, can also be international cooperation , learn from foreign research experience ."

In fact, the environmental risks of shale gas development and development concerns enthusiasm almost simultaneously .Fracturing proppant Some observers have pointed out here , from the Chinese " shale gas development plan ( 2011-2015 ) " , the current land, energy and other management department of shale gas development to the environment , ecology and human health impacts of inadequate consideration and recommended from the environmental efficiency of resources , ecological environment carrying capacity and environmental optimization of the level of risk , and many other shale gas development plan , good for sensitive targets avoidance and protection measures .

Ten thousand that day too is organized by the China Journalists Association 's third period " ' Chinese Dream' with Chinese ecological civilization " news cafes revealed the above information .

China both opportunities and challenges

With the U.S. dependence on Middle East oil significantly reduced , China from Saudi Arabia, Iraq , Qatar and other countries imported increasing oil and gas resources , accounting for the share of exports in these countries is also rising .

Although the short-term Chinese oil demand enough to reach the U.S. level, but growing rapidly. Traditional oil-producing countries in the Middle East , while U.S. imports decreased access to new export markets , exports to the inevitable , these changes also shows the pattern of the world oil market is undergoing subtle changes .

On the other hand , the U.S. oil exports and the adjustment of energy strategy for China and the United States , Canada and other countries to create the conditions for energy cooperation . United States in the field of energy, especially in the  unconventional gas  and new energy fields to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in space . U.S. crude oil exports to China is a good start , the future U.S. crude oil , liquefied natural gas exports to China will continue to increase bilateral cooperation in unconventional oil and gas energy development and technological exchanges and cooperation will become increasingly frequent.

With the U.S. offshore oil and gas and the rapid development of unconventional oil and gas , as well as the strengthening of the role of new energy alternatives , future U.S. oil and gas imports will continue to decline in Canada 's oil and gas exports to the U.S. will fall . Excessive dependence on energy exports in order to solve the situation of the United States , Canada is also seeking to diversify export channels , turning to Asia . China and Canada and other North American countries , the energy partnership will increasingly strengthened.

However, the U.S. crude oil exports only U.S. energy strategy to adjust the performance and one of the results , the background is the United States in recent years, especially since the global financial crisis in the political , economic, military , diplomatic and other areas strategic adjustment . As a rising power, China in the changing situation in the global energy challenges and pressures greater .

First, domestic oil production potential is limited , increasing external dependence . Chinese oil resources per capita is only 5.4% of the world average since 2010, oil production barely maintained at a level of around 200 million tons . In the absence of significant technological breakthrough or a major discovery in the case , Ceramic proppant the local yield potential is very limited. At the same time , rapid growth in oil demand , security for the increasing pressure . In 2012, China 's dependence on foreign oil by 58% over energy security , especially oil security has become an important issue must be addressed .

Second, the situation in the Middle East and oil transport channel security impact on China increased. 80 percent of China's oil imports from the Middle East and Africa , through the Strait of Malacca, through which 38% of the Strait of Hormuz , "national oil fortunes " for less than 40%. U.S. dependence on Middle East oil reduced role in the Middle East have also changed . China 's dependence on Middle East oil rising geopolitical risks , transport security has become China had to directly face the issue. China has not as powerful as the United States military and diplomatic strength to control the Middle East situation. Once the major changes , the oil will have a significant impact on safety .

Third, China 's peripheral situation will be more complicated. Reduce the U.S. dependence on oil imports gained greater strategic development. The Obama administration took office, began to focus on the fight against terrorism original strategic focus to Asia , Hydraulic fracturingto consolidate its leading position in the region . U.S. high-profile "return to Asia " in Northeast Asia , the East China Sea , South China Sea and other regions of the situation even more complicated , the original dispute and conflicts under certain conditions may be intensified, affecting the process of China's peaceful rise .

Limited impact on short-term and long-term impact of a huge

Short term, the U.S. oil exports more symbolic than practical significance, direct impact is limited. Over the past 10 years, U.S. exports to Canada only a small amount of crude oil ,ceramic ball the annual export volume of 800 million tons ( 2011 data ) . Although domestic oil production capacity improved, but the oil is completely independent from great distance , from a net oil output is out of reach.

One area in North America to achieve energy independence as possible. International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted that output growth in accordance with the current trends, by 2017 , the United States may be more than Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil producer . 2012 , IEA in the " World Energy Outlook" that America's future oil and gas production increases, the global energy landscape will undergo radical changes. In the global energy map of the significant changes in the North American leader. The next 10 years, the U.S. energy self-sufficiency rate will keep rising , it is possible to achieve energy independence within North America ,Unconventional gas that is outside of North America 's energy dependence is reduced to below 5% level.

The second is to speed up the flow of global oil change . With the resource situation changes , technological progress and economic development , global oil and gas production and consumption are adjusting territory among the U.S., EU and Asia 's oil imports three major economic zones gradually clear the main channel . U.S. oil imports have formed the core of the North American , South America, Africa and the Middle East as a complementary pattern. Sides of the Atlantic ( the Americas and West Africa ) became the absolute main foreign oil supplies , the U.S. nearly 70 percent of its oil imports come from the Atlantic .

China , Japan and India, the Asia-Pacific region's oil consuming countries are highly dependent on Middle East oil supplies. Some agencies are expected , the future of China , India and other emerging markets will drive global energy demand continues to be important engine of growth , dependence on Middle East oil will be further deepened.

Third is part of the income of oil-exporting countries affected. U.S. shale oil production rise and increase self-sufficiency , the greatest impact of some of the oil-producing countries in Africa . Since 2010, Africa's crude oil exports to the United States significantly reduced , the U.S. market was originally from Nigeria, Algeria , Angola and other countries of crude  shale gas  oil was quickly replaced . In 2012, the United States is no longer Angola 's largest oil buyers, imports accounted for only 11% of its total exports , behind China and India.

Fourth, the oil market competition may be more intense. U.S. oil self-sufficiency and export of crude oil increased to improve the international oil market supply, the maintenance of the global energy supply and demand balance and price stability is of great significance . Including the United States OECD ( OECD ) countries, slowing growth in oil consumption occurs or downward trend in global oil supply and demand tight pattern will be mitigated to some extent . However, these countries long-established pattern of high energy consumption in the short term is difficult to change . The oil-consuming countries in the process of reshaping the balance of the oil market , are trying to build and strengthen their own can be driven , secure, stable oil supply system. Under the action of various forces , between developed countries , developing countries , between developed and developing countries around the oil resources of the competition between the long-term will continue to exist, and may under certain conditions tends to be intensified.

Adjust improve energy strategy petroleum self-sufficiency

Primary energy in the United States , only need to import large quantities of oil , enhanced oil supply capacity naturally become energy independent strategy. March 2011 , Obama proposed to reduce by one third by 2025 oil imports new target. In America's future energy supply and security of the three strategies , the " return to the United States oil and gas development ,frac sand companies ensure U.S. energy supply security" is one of the important content , including increased domestic oil and gas production capacity, promote the development of unconventional oil and gas resources .

U.S. to increase domestic oil production focused on two aspects: First, lifting the ban offshore oil ; Second, accelerate the development of onshore shale oil . March 2010 , the United States introduced to expand offshore oil field development project.Ceramic proppant Even in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill incident, the U.S. commitment to accelerate the development of offshore oil did not waver. Meanwhile, thanks to open offshore oil resources , tax breaks and other policy support as well as horizontal wells drilled and hydraulic fracturing technology breakthrough in the so-called " shale gas revolution" under the impetus of U.S. oil production since 2009 to recover, continued to grow.

U.S. Department of Energy estimates , in 2013 , U.S. crude oil , including biofuels and other liquefied hydrocarbon production will reach 1140 million barrels daily , close to 1160 million barrels of Saudi daily production levels . U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show that in 2010 , the U.S. dependence on foreign oil was 49.3% , down to 50% of the " warning " or less. 2011 dropped to 45% in 2012 to 40 %, the current trend continues.

Oil self-sufficiency in the local ability to continuously improve both the U.S. foreign oil imports are constantly optimize distribution channels , domestic oil supply forward and surrounding areas contraction. In fact, even in the history of the United States it is not highly dependent on Middle East oil imports , North America is the U.S. foreign oil imports first choice. Since Obama took office , the United States imported oil from OPEC countries and the proportion of the total amount substantially reduced, while oil imports from North America the proportion is rising . In 2011, U.S. oil imports from the Middle East is only 95 million tons , accounting for 16.9% of total imports , while imports of crude oil from the Americas increased more than 70% proportion . Currently, the U.S. crude oil imports concentrated in Canada, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela , Iraq and other countries and regions.

Currently , the U.S. energy strategy adjustment achieved great success. As offshore oil and onshore shale gas  mass exploitation of oil and gas , energy efficiency and consumption habits, the U.S. dependence on foreign energy demand and tends to decrease . Analysts pointed out that the United States is highly dependent on imports from a country 's energy consumption becomes an increasingly important energy producer and exporter.

Can not be ignored oil -producing countries

In 2009 more than before by China , the United States has been the world 's largest energy consumer, energy consumption, accounting for about 20% of total energy consumption .Fracturing proppant In the United States, the structure of primary energy consumption , accounting for more than one-third of the oil . Since the 20th century , U.S. oil consumption has been living in the first world , and today remains the world's largest oil consumer and importer status , oil consumption remained at more than 800 million tons , accounting for the proportion of total global oil consumption remains at around 20% . Vast oil consumption capacity has created an enormous demand for oil imports . Since 1985 , the U.S. dependence on oil imports continued to rise, although after peaking in 2006, began to decline, but has remained at about 50%.

Since 1859 the world's first oil well in the United States since the emergence of the oil for modern warfare and the strategic importance of economic development continues to increase. Over the next one hundred years time , oil became the most important source of energy , while the United States rely on the political, economic, military , technological and other comprehensive advantages , has become the dominant player in the international oil market .

According to statistics, during World War I , the United States provided 80% of the Allied demand for oil . During World War II , Allied victory was considered largely due to an adequate supply of oil , most of which comes from the United States. From December 1941 to August 1945 , the United States and its allies were consumed 70 billion barrels of oil , of which about 60 million barrels from the United States .

Since the 1960s , OPEC ( APEC ) and the United States surplus oil production capacity declined , shaking the United States in the world oil system dominance. 1970 U.S. oil production reached 530 million tons ,shale gas then began to decline. But in the decades since then , despite the OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries in the international oil market, when the position of the replacement , but until 1990 , U.S. crude oil production remained at 400 million tons or more. Today, U.S. crude oil production remained at more than 300 million tons , ranking the world's top three.

Notably , the United States or the world's most important oil producer and exporter . U.S. refining capacity of more than frac sand 1700 million barrels day , accounting for about one-fifth of the world . Since 2010 , U.S. oil exports exceed imports , becoming a net exporter of oil . Refined oil has become second only to the second-largest U.S. auto exports .

U.S. imports of LNG competing with India

Although the U.S. government was cautious because of LNG exports slow progress, but that does not hinder the buyer's enthusiasm. U.S. natural gas continued to face high yield and good export prospects,unconventional gas many countries have the same contention LNG import contract signed by the United States, despite the large-scale exports to the United States exactly when LNG is still unknown.
Japan is one of the most active countries. Back in March of this year, Japan has the resources and support of its new strategy, said since 2016, and strive to expand imports from the U.S. LNG. Recently, Japan's three companies Mitsui, Mitsubishi and Nippon Yusen announced that it will build LNG production bases in the United States, Japan, aims to stabilize supply LNG.
It is reported that three companies and to participate in its Sempr Cameron LNG export project reached an agreement,fracturing proppant the three companies this will be a total investment 100 billion yen. The project is expected to provide 8 million tons per year for the Japanese LNG, accounting for about 10% of domestic demand in Japan. Mitsui and Mitsubishi said it plans to purchase LNG from Cameron sold to Tokyo Electric and other Japanese and Asian power and gas companies.
India has just passed the approval of the project showed great interest in Freeport. India has not signed a free trade agreement with the United States, while the Freeport project is for India to see through to import more U.S. LNG hope.
India's largest LNG importer Petronet LNG Corp.Proppant said a few days ago and the company is headquartered in Houston, United States United LNG has signed a conditional preliminary agreement under which the company in 20 years, United LNG annually from U.S. companies import about 4 million tons LNG.
Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao said that the United States and India's future LNG trade cooperation will be further strengthened. He stressed that the U.S. LNG exports to India will be a win-win cooperation. "India is a large gap in demand for natural gas, with an estimated 2.2 trillion cubic feet per year by 2016 this gap may reach 4 trillion cubic feet in 2030 reached 800 million cubic feet, while for India, the United States regardless of LNG quantity and price terms are attractive. "

U.S. natural gas production to new highs

DOE said the Freeport project will bring substantial economic benefits, but this is a new high of U.S. natural gas production brought shock effect of the "true portrayal."
In recent years, the U.S. oil and gas production increase is an indisputable fact. 16, 2011,Unconventional gas the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a monthly report, in 2012 the U.S. natural gas production increased by 5% over last year, reaching a new historical point; daily demand for natural gas reached 70 billion cubic feet, but also the highest level since records began. Meanwhile, last year's U.S. natural gas prices fell nearly 10 years to the lowest point, the average spot price of natural gas per million British thermal units $ 2.74, compared with 2011 decreased by 31%.
The face of increasing production, the majority of the natural gas producers hope the U.S. government to release LNG exports. But there are also companies that the government should restrict exports,ceramic ball Dow Chemical (DOW) is one of them. The company believes that LNG exports will cause a large number of domestic natural gas prices. But DOW Freeport project approved by the Government for the welcome. DOW Vice President George Biletezi said the United States should export LNG, but we must grasp the scale, do not affect the domestic market. "The DOE's move commendable, both the Government to promote the release of LNG export intentions, but also to maintain the usual strict."
Environmental groups for DOE approval of new LNG export project protest. Sierra Club environmental group said more LNG export project through the approval will accelerate the pace of development of U.S. natural gas. "Anti-gas movement" promoter Deborah · Nathan said: "This means more use of hydraulic fracturing, more air and water pollution,frac sand as well as bring more environmental problems."

Two years later, the United States re-approved LNG export project divergent meanings behind

17, 2011, DOE conditionally approved Texas "free port" LNG export project, did not intend to sign a free trade agreement with the United States national export LNG, allow the export of 1.4 billion cubic feet per day, for 20 years. This is since May 2011 to the U.S. government approved a similar project again.
There is no doubt that the U.S. is still continuing its " shale gas  myth", even IEA in its mid-market report released said the significant increase in oil and gas production in North America to the impact of the global supply chain, will become the next five years The transformative power of the market. Almost everyone is optimistic about the U.S. LNG export prospects, but the Government has been very cautious.
Capital One Financial Corporation analyst Randy Barratier that, although it is approved by the U.S. government after two years LNG export project again, but this will come to the U.S. LNG export policy to relax a bit too hasty conclusions. "A project approval and can not explain too many problems,Unconventional gas besides the size and complexity of the project and other factors will affect the processing speed."
Moody's Investors Service (Moody's Investors Service Inc.), Vice president of m Branch · Mana Bi He also said: "We do not believe that DOE will pursue this release LNG project approval." But she believes that Dominion Resources, Inc., Sempra Energy's LNG export project received the approval of the larger hope.
Currently, there are more than 20 LNG export project is awaiting approval of the DOE, however, about whether the United States should LNG exports, the export volume should discuss issues such as how to control it never stops. Natural Gas LNG export enterprises generally supportive, but industry insiders questioned the U.S. LNG export facilities construction speed can keep up with their pace.
In Freeport before the project, DOE only in May 2011 passed the Cheniere Energy Company is located in Louisiana's Sabine Pass export terminal project. According to U.S. government regulations, to have not signed a free trade agreement with the United States national export natural gas must obtain the approval of the Department of Energy. Insiders believe that this new project approval to release positive signals to the outside world, the United States may be in the future to accelerate the speed of project approval. Washington-based Center for LNG Bill Cooper said this is a good news. "Now the only concern is when we can achieve large-scale LNG exports."fracturing proppant American Petroleum Institute Upstream industry authorities Erik Milito also praised the government made the right decision.
The Freeport project also makes those approved LNG projects to apply for an export license DOE companies see hope. Sempra Energy's CEO Mark Sien in the DOE said after project approval through Freeport, which sent out a positive signal, "Our project is also expected to be adopted soon." Sempra's Cameron LNG export gesep global network of energy saving projects are located in Louisiana Hack Bury, a total investment of 60-70 billion dollars.

Health, safety, and the environment remains among the top priorities for oil and gas companies

 Health, safety, and the environment remains among the top priorities for oil and gas companies,Ceramic proppant reflecting an attitude of zero tolerance for accidents, Ernst & Young said in a recent report on a survey of more than 100 executives from 90 companies in 21 countries.
     The report said executives also listed price volatility, access to reserves and markets, cost escalation, and uncertain energy policy as business risks.
    “Regulatory compliance is a challenge in any industry,” E&Y said, adding oil and gas companies are compelled to operate in a variety of regulatory situations.
     “New methods of extraction, such as  hydraulic fracturing, present risks to regulators who are unsure of the wider impact of their large-scale use,” the report said.
      A new entrant into the top risks this year was information technology security, and specifically the threat of cyber attacks or cyber theft of intellectual property.
Additionally, another risk warranting its own category was increasing project scale and complexity. As megaprojects become more common, the industry’s record for delivering on time and on budget is under increasing scrutiny.

     John Avaldsnes, another E&Y global oil and gas advisory leader, added, “There is a renewed focus on the complete capital project life cycle. Poorly managing these issues reduces the ability to positively affect project performance and value. Having a clear definition of what constitutes ‘acceptable risk’ for a project diminishes the risk that remains.frac sand Aligning operations through performance management is crucial.”

Water challenges facing shale gas development under water stress demands of new technology

Accenture recently released "Water and  shale gas  development," the report (hereinafter referred to as the report). Reported that the rapid increase in shale gas production has caused widespread concern, the main concern of shale gas development on water resources, roads, air quality, earthquakes and many other areas of greenhouse gas emissions resulting operational impacts. Shale gas wells using hydraulic fracturing technology production process requires large amounts of water, and it will produce more gas than conventional greenhouse gas emissions. Because of the water and emissions concerns, the United States and many parts of Western Europe, shale gas development has encountered great resistance. According to the Energy Information Administration estimated recoverable reserves,Unconventional gas China 1,275,000,000,000,000 cubic feet of shale gas reserves, while China announced after the correction amount of exploration and 882 trillion cubic feet. China shale gas bearing layer depth of 3000-5000 meters, the complex topography. The lack of shale gas development in the short term municipal wastewater treatment facilities. In addition, areas with abundant reserves of shale gas poor surface conditions, population density in some areas of the mountains, which for the exploration and development of shale gas and water transport to bring more problems. Coupled with limited commercial production, water resources and environmental issues or to "Chinese shale gas revolution" cold toppings. Shale gas development in China there is a huge water crisis. National People's Congress of Sichuan Province Development and Reform Commission Li Min has said that shale gas exploitation, requires a lot of water. However, after the use of this water will be some contamination in the process need to be further open up this link.frac sand companies Necessary to solve the water problem, but also the gas mined, and finally also the water recycling.

Oil prices will remain for some time remained largely unchanged at the current level

OPEC's May 31 meeting in Vienna, opened the impact of shale oil supply and demand for petroleum-related debates prologue.Ceramic proppant OPEC said it would maintain its goal of 30 million barrels of daily production levels unchanged, but the U.S. shale oil production continues to grow, and perhaps is rewriting the global oil trade patterns, exacerbated by OPEC's internal conflicts and to limit their collective capacity to respond. However, oil prices will remain for some time remained largely unchanged at the current level.

High oil prices, as well as " hydraulic fracturing " and several new technologies, making the United States and Texas, North Dakota, in a large number of oil shale resources can be mined. Now the U.S. crude oil production has risen to 21-year high. According to IEA estimates, future U.S. shale oil production will grow further.

The face of U.S. shale oil boom, as well as its future on the international oil market may impact OPEC difficult to resolve differences mainly internal coordination. Admittedly, the OPEC did indeed overcome in the face of external shocks to reach a series of internal disagreements production target. For example in 2008 after the outbreak of the international financial crisis, OPEC agreed to cut more than 400 million barrels day to support oil prices.

For the future of oil prices, combined with OPEC and the United States to analyze two aspects of shale oil, oil prices will remain for some time remained largely unchanged at the current level. First, because of difficulties in coordination, OPEC production cuts caused massive rise in oil prices is unlikely; Secondly, from the point of view of U.S. shale oil, and its development will indeed have an impact of global oil pattern,frac sand but this is a rather slow process, but also in demand as long as the oil market is rising, it is enough to digest the North American shale oil production.

America shale oil production of OPEC temporarily jeopardize

United States, "Wall Street Journal" that OPEC will maintain its target of around 30 million barrels per day output unchanged, while oil prices in the third and fourth quarter will remain at around $ 100 a barrel.Fracturing proppant The surge in U.S. shale oil production, OPEC will exacerbate internal divisions, it had to face the global oil trade possible fluctuation. According to the International Energy Agency predicted that OPEC's biggest customer - North America, in 2030, became a net oil exporter, which will direct threat to OPEC.

However, the representative of Saudi Arabia said that the increase in U.S. shale oil production will not jeopardize OPEC or Saudi Arabia. OPEC "2012 annual data report" shows that Saudi Arabia in 2011 721.8 million barrels of daily exports of crude oil, of which 448.7 million barrels of exports to the Asia-Pacific region, 62.2% of the total export volume. Except Saudi crude exports more Asia-Pacific countries also Iran, Iraq, Kuwait,ceramic ball Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. From this data we can see that Asia-Pacific countries of OPEC crude oil supply main square.

Some media analysts believe that OPEC's oil trade with the Asia-Pacific region in general is a seller's market, which is very different from Europe and America. In addition to the United States imports of Middle East oil, but also imports crude oil from the Americas, Europe relies on Russia's crude oil supply to meet the needs. To ensure the production of crude oil in the U.S. and European markets have a corresponding competitiveness, including OPEC member countries, including the Middle East for crude oil trade in Europe and America, the prices tend to make the appropriate concessions. As for the Asian oil market, the Middle East crude oil in a relatively monopolistic position on the issue of oil pricing initiative, resulting in the "Asian premium" phenomenon of persistence of this situation indicates that OPEC crude oil supply through affecting the entire Asia Pacific region.

In the U.S. global strategy focus to the Asia-Pacific, we are bound to implement the strategy of OPEC as an important tool. With the increase in U.S. crude oil production,hydraulic fracturing as well as dependence on OPEC crude oil decline, the U.S. attitude subtle changes will occur in the future in the affairs of the negotiations with OPEC, OPEC American initiative and desire to control will be further strengthened.

International oil price decline reflects the global economic slowdown

Libya's oil and gas minister of OPEC's rotating presidency Abdul Barry Arous at the opening ceremony speech said that the current crude oil prices continue to fluctuate, the average price of about $ 100.85 a barrel, on the whole, a certain decline trend, which reflects the global reality of the slow pace of economic growth, coupled with ongoing debt crisis in Europe,hydraulic fracturing but also to a certain extent, exacerbated the developed economies, high unemployment and inflation risks in developing countries. However, this does not affect OPEC on the global economic growth and oil demand is expected to rise.

2013, world oil demand growth expected to be 0.8 million barrels / day, so OPEC oil supply has been a slight increase.

The next few months, OPEC will continue to closely monitor the global economic situation, to ensure an adequate supply of the oil market, while maintaining a reasonable price of oil.

UAE Energy Minister Su Haile · Mazrui said that the current international oil prices in a "fair and appropriate level." For oil-consuming countries, the current level of oil prices and the economic recovery will not have a negative impact on future growth. Currently, OPEC produces about 3,040 barrels of oil per day to meet the basic needs of the international oil market. UAE is currently investing billions of dollars for the development of large domestic recovery projects,fracturing proppant to the crude oil output by 2017 from the current 2.8 million barrels to 350 million barrels of upgrading.

Energy Charter participating experts You Liya · Presley doll slave watt told this reporter that OPEC's oil production, although the proportion of total global output was an unexpected turn, but its influence in the global oil market has not changed. Since 2008, OPEC's share of global oil production ratio of 41.5% of the total,Ceramic proppant followed by several years has decreased, but rose to 41 percent last year, to stabilize the international oil prices had a direct effect.

2013年8月23日星期五

A lot different from the U.S. system


First of land ownership is not the same with the United States,  shale gas  division of ownership of mineral development are not the same. Public ownership of land, land rights and mineral rights did not achieve separation, the developer is not particularly conducive to numerous non-state-owned enterprises to obtain shale gas resources.

Second, China's natural gas production, transportation, sales have not implemented the vertical separation of management, but there is a strong pipeline transportation of natural gas monopoly, its regulatory framework is also not the same as with the United States.Unconventional gas Since 1993, the United States began to take natural gas production and transportation vertical management model two businesses, developers and carriers will be separated into two separate operating entity, and supervise the implementation of different policies. Intrastate pipeline by state and local legal restrictions, interstate pipelines are subject to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, state, and local laws also apply. Natural gas pipeline operators suppliers to implement non-discriminatory access. Government regulatory pipeline fees, while liberalization of natural gas prices, natural gas producers and users to ensure the pipeline have non-discriminatory access conditions.

Third, exploration and development of shale gas resources environmental pressures facing large than the United States. U.S. sparsely populated, while China Sichuan, Guizhou, Chongqing and other places more densely populated, large elevation topography, geological disasters, the negative effects of shale gas development significantly. Fracturing well field area is larger, if the future development wells bit more intensive, human disturbance easily induced landslides. And China is a water-scarce countries, shale gas development will not only waste a lot of water, to seize the agricultural water, and even diverted municipal water, but also bring pollution of water resources.

Fourth, the success of shale gas development in the United States and the United States has the world's most open and competitive oil market is closely related to the highest degree,frac sand companies the United States 85% of the oil produced by small and medium companies. In China, the current in the conventional oil and gas resources in the field of exploration and mining rights by PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC and other four major state-owned enterprises and the extension of administrative monopoly, SMEs in the upstream oil and gas field development in an extremely vulnerable position. The monopoly of the institutional and investment subject single, the exclusion of other investors to enter, restricted resources development in the market.

Exploration and development are at an early stage

Conditions of shale gas resource base has its own characteristics, exploration and development at an early stage,Fracturing proppant technology is not mature enough. First, China's shale gas geological formation later in the United States, shale gas reservoirs and shale gas reservoirs in the United States compared to a huge difference in the overall high degree of thermal evolution of organic matter, burial depth is large, such as the U.S. shale gas burial depth of 200 meters to more than 2000 meters, while China Sichuan Basin shale gas burial depth of 1,500 meters to more than 4000 m; Guizhou, Chongqing, Hunan and other places shale thin and often multi-layered rendering together, different levels of partial visible deterioration; shale gas between different regions is difficult to compare between wells references, analogies,ceramic ball even layer more difficult.

Second, China's shale gas resource exploration and development started late, still in its infancy stage. MLR 2005 began preliminary research, there has been no domestic shale gas resource potential and favorable zones for system evaluation and technical pilot test. Third,frac sand companies technological progress is to promote the commercial development of shale gas key factors, while China's shale gas development technology is not mature, critical technologies have not yet achieved a real breakthrough, shale gas development related technologies need to overcome. At present, China's shale gas geological knowledge and engineering techniques is not mature, core analysis, logging and interpretation of reservoir evaluation, and composite oil-based mud, drillable bridge plug, micro seismic monitoring,Proppant etc. Drilling and Completion techniques and tools need to be improved and perfected.

The global shale gas exploration significance

Including shale gas,Fracturing proppant including unconventional oil and gas resources, the impact on the U.S. economy is not limited to oil and gas sector has been, electricity as an important factor of production, basically involves all sectors of the national economy.

Currently, the largest U.S. electricity demand from civilian consumption accounted for 38%, followed by commercial and industrial, were 35% and 27%. Lower electricity prices to the residents of adding more and more disposable income, consumer confidence, business users also reduces operating costs,ceramic ball U.S. domestic manufacturing industry compared to international competitors gained more cost advantage. These positive factors are slowly recovering from the recession in the U.S. economy is significant.

According to the United States, as the think tank pole (HIS) estimated that by 2035 the amount of gas-fired generation and coal power generation capacity will be comparable. This will completely change the U.S. secondary energy structure, but also for the United States in the global carbon market for more right to speak, at the same time,frac sand companies natural gas power generation but also for the United States a smoother transition to renewable energy to provide the impetus.

The impact of shale gas solar, wind

In the United States, not only affects the development of gas-fired generation to coal-fired power generation,ceramic proppant but also for renewable energy - especially wind and solar power that intermittent renewable energy - produce complex effects.

When gas prices at $ 3 / mmbtu, the American conventional gas-fired power plant generating cost is $ 71.5 / MWh (without government subsidies). In contrast, the cost of solar PV range is 111 to 181 U.S. $ / MWh. Even if gas prices increase to $ 6 / mmbtu, a conventional gas-fired power plant cost $ 103.5 / mmbtu, still lower than the cost of photovoltaic power.

Wind facing the same challenges. No subsidies for new wind power projects generating cost 60 to $ 90 / MWh between. In the $ 3 / mmbtu natural gas prices, the new CCGT gas power generation cost of $ 52.1 / MWh. When gas prices rose to $ 5 / mmbtu when the cost of electricity will rise to $ 66.1 / MWh, unsubsidized wind power is still more difficult to compete with gas-fired generation.

Although the long term, the U.S. natural gas prices can not maintain the current low prices, the increase in gas-fired plants will obviously increase the demand for natural gas. But the massive U.S. shale gas reserves inhibit the rapid rise in gas prices, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts until 2020 U.S.frac sand natural gas prices will rise to $ 5 / mmbtu, and some more will this energy research institutions date to 2030.

Meanwhile, the U.S. federal government's financial support for clean energy has grown from $ 44.3 billion in 2009, down to the 2011 peak of $ 30.7 billion, is expected in 2014 will be only $ 11 billion. Lack of additional financial support, the individual wind power and photovoltaic power generation projects are difficult to profit, investor enthusiasm for renewable energy is more likely to turn to gas-fired generation.

On a technical level, gas generation or wind power, solar photovoltaic power generation and other intermittent renewable energy sources and efficient complementary tool. On wind power, its main problem facing in its unpredictability, since the size of the wind changing, the output power of the wind turbine will not be stable at a level,Proppant so it is difficult for wind power grid to provide steady electricity. The CCGT start fast, fast unit within 10 minutes to complete the start, stop and only takes a few minutes. A steam turbine driven generator will slower contrast, generally requires 8 to 48 hours, cooled, it can take a day or two. In the power boost speed, CCGT, the average power increase of 15 to 25 MW / minute, old only 3 MW steam turbine / min. So when there is no wind condition, wind turbines can not provide enough power, the turbine can quickly start to play the role of stabilizing the output power. Supporting the construction of a wind power plant in CCGT generating units, is also becoming a new renewable energy business models.

With shale gas technology continues to progress, the U.S. natural gas production is increasing.

In the past 10 years, natural gas and power industries become increasingly interdependent. From 2001 to 2011, Frac sand total U.S. gas-fired generating capacity ratio jumped from 17.1% to 24.7% over the same period the power sector demand for natural gas from 150 billion cubic meters to 215.3 billion cubic meters. International Energy Agency (IEA) 2012 interim report shows that the market for natural gas, to the 2017 U.S. natural gas demand will increase by 90 billion cubic meters, of which 3/4 will come from the power sector.

2011 American Gas generation capacity is also the first time in history more than 1000TWh (TWh: TWh), reaching 1014TWh, an increase over the previous year 29TWh. In March 2012 accounted for more than gas-fired power generation has reached 35%, is expected in 2012 year this figure will reach 30% of the average.

With gas-fired generation compared to those in the United States the proportion of coal-fired generation continues to decline.Proppant If you start from shale gas production increased significantly in 2006 calculations, by 2011 the U.S. gas-fired generation increased by 200TWh, while coal decreased 256TWh. Meanwhile, the U.S. coal demand in 2012 is expected to be down 5% to 884 million tons, which is the lowest since 1995 level.

As the United States imposed the more stringent greenhouse gas management, the development of coal-fired generation in the United States has suffered more from the prospect of policy challenges. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced in December 2011 mercury and air pollutants standards, a number of coal-fired power plants can not meet the requirements will have to be decommissioned. In the March 27, 2012, the U.S. government issued its first-ever limit new power plant greenhouse gas emissions regulations. Gas-fired power plants to meet acceptable standards of greenhouse gas emissions, but you need to add more coal-fired power plant carbon capture device to pass approval.

Now, the U.S. eastern grid (Eastern Interconnect) there are more than 100 coal-fired power plant decommissioning plan announced, some power plants will be completed in the next two years retired, more plant decommissioning was placed in 2014 ~ 2015. Of which 80% are in service in more than 40 years, the installed capacity of 400 megawatts of coal-fired power plants.

More coal-fired plant decommissioning,frac sand companies compared to gas-fired power generation - especially the new combined cycle gas turbine power plant (CCGT) power market in the United States provide a new growth. Equipped with new gas-fired CCGT power plants than coal-fired power plant construction costs lower, the construction period is also shorter. Under the same conditions, building a CCGT plant was two years, and construction of a coal-fired power plants of the time you will need four years. And because the carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of natural gas from coal combustion is less than 50% by gas-fired plants replace coal-fired plants are the lowest cost of reducing carbon emissions, but also the most rapid method.

According to the International Gas Union (IGU) estimates, if the 2035 retired coal-fired power plants are replaced by gas-fired power plants, global carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 21%.

However, the gas-fired power generation on alternative will not be completed overnight. In the next period of time, coal is still the main source of U.S. electricity supply. In 2011, despite the coal-fired generating capacity is already below the level of the previous 2000TWh only 1734TWh, but still higher than 70% of natural gas generating capacity.

Here for many reasons, the geographical distribution of resources is one of them: in some places the cost of coal-fired generation is much less than the cost of gas-fired generation, such as in Wyoming Powder River Basin coal district (Powder River Basin), its 2011 coal price is $ 0.75 / mmbtu, while the local gas price is $ 5.5 / mmbtu. Meanwhile, the distribution of natural gas pipeline network, different skill levels of plant efficiency differences between coal producers and power plant contracts and other factors also limit the rapid expansion of gas-fired generation.

2013年8月22日星期四

Technological innovation essential for shale revolution

Shale Gas Revolution and many times since the 20th century, major technological advances that changed the world all have the same or similar pattern: technological innovation and business model innovation to attract a lot of money, innovation and interaction of the capital will soon be emerging industries to the extreme and the formation of bubbles. Investors inevitably grad, has earned pours,Fracturing proppant but also did not lose the pants also. Major new industries to promote social progress and has a huge role in the whole world thus benefiting the whole human race.

Needless to say, technological innovation, the country's revenue is greatest. This is why all countries agree that innovation is the national and social development in the area.

I do not think shale gas revolution is a hoax, but do not agree with is the field of shale gas revolution "conspiracy." The last century, the IT revolution has profoundly changed society, but also continue to change. Recall how many famous IT companies in this process is gone, many investors go bankrupt due to various reasons, but the benefit of society as a whole, has improved.

Modern social capital is not a panacea, but there will be no capital to promote industrial revolution. U.S. shale gas revolution is difficult to be replicated in other countries, but the combination of innovation and capital mode of interaction is of universal significance.Proppant China tens of billions of funds into U.S. shale gas business, he explains China's capital has the same profit-driven, the other hand shows the upstream oil and gas business in the U.S. capital inflows and outflows in convenience. In contrast, the Chinese oil and gas upstream business, whether profit-driven nature of capital or liquidity constraints are also considerable.

Unconventional oil and gas on the significance of China's economic development can not be overemphasized how. The technique used to add their own practice to master KNOWHOW difficult,ceramic proppant innovative business models and attracting large-scale entry of global capital is still our system bottleneck. Only further deepen reform and institutional innovation can we dare possible to achieve China's shale gas revolution.

Development of shale gas market into the next plane deserted lively reality of the situation

U.S. shale gas revolution,Ceramic proppant the great success of the global energy market turmoil, we can say shale gas to non-conventional oil and gas output powers promised a better future. As an important energy power, shale gas development in the field, our course unwilling man later, but experienced a second round of bidding for  shale gas  boom, the number of successful enterprises no follow-up action of the news hit the newspapers in succession, China's shale gas development market seems to be caught in a lively on paper, in reality, deserted situation. But no doubt that shale gas development will continue to be,frac sand companies the moment of calm and wait perhaps to shale gas development in the road further.

U.S. does have the ability to guide the oil price realization


U.S. foreign policy since last year really began to actively use energy as a means, especially since early this year,fracturing proppant Obama hydraulic fracturing, shale oil and gas exploration and gas exports and other issues showed a positive attitude to their first term For the negative attitude of traditional energy has greatly changed. Since last year, through the natural gas exports, the United States also succeeded to set a good example in Europe and Asia, the European Union Russia gas (Gazprom) has launched an antitrust investigation, succeeded in forcing its price cuts, Britain and Germany began to intervene in shale gas production, Japan In actively trying to develop combustible ice.

But it is worth noting that although Obama has some policies on fossil fuels on the steering, but at least for now, this shift more confined to natural gas instead of coal and oil; natural gas as the only fossil energy clean energy , its marketing can be counted as traditional and renewable energy roadmap at this stage, a balance between. For crude oil, apparently Obama's policies are not so forgiving, in KeystoneXL pipeline construction can be seen on many other issues.

Of course, the U.S. does have the ability to guide the oil price achieved last year is a crucial year for WTI Brent catch up, Brent crude oil futures volume 2 consecutive quarters catch WTI, even the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) report have begun to use as a benchmark Brent .

But it is worth noting that, since last August TOT submit letters to the IOSCO without naming that the current existence of the North Sea market manipulation after, Brent began to fall into the whirlpool;Hydraulic fracturing Platts February this year, Shell was the first to split the North Sea market place edge, then in May 13 IEA monthly report released by the day, the European Commission said Brent pricing mechanism will these two companies and BP, the Norwegian State Oil (StatOil) investigation, Brent pricing, reliability has been seriously questioned. Brent WTI spread for the same period has quietly repaired, it is foreseeable that, no two years, WTI will once again return to the throne of the world's first benchmark oil price.

Thus in this context, the United States is no reason to suppress the price of oil is more, on the one hand, strategic center of gravity eastward since 2012, the United States is China's diplomatic core, suppressing prices equal to the China provides cheap oil of the road, which obviously does not meet the U.S. strategic needs; the other hand, oil prices continued to fall,ceramic ball it is not conducive to long-term clean energy Obama implementation of the strategy; addition, suppress WTI oil prices is not conducive to snatch back the high ground.