Characterization and utilization of natural gas in Alaska: Final report

• Main Author: Sharma, G.D.
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: 03 NATURAL GAS; 29 ENERGY PLANNING; POLICY AND ECONOMY; ALASKA; NATURAL GAS; ECONOMICS; ENHANCED RECOVERY; MARKET; NATURAL GAS FIELDS; PETROLEUM; PROGRESS REPORT; RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT; RESOURCE POTENTIAL; RESOURCES; STRATIGRAPHY; USES; DOCUMENT TYPES; ENERGY SOURCES; FEDERAL REGION X; FLUIDS; FOSSIL FUELS; FUEL GAS; FUELS; GAS FUELS; GASES; GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS; GEOLOGY; MINERAL RESOURCES; NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS; NORTH AMERICA; RECOVERY; USA; Arctic; Alaska
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5950885; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5950885; https://doi.org/10.2172/5950885

The natural gas in the Alaskan arctic represents a truly significant resource; a resource which should be exploited in the most appropriate manner. Currently, the proven reserves of natural gas in Alaska are estimated to be 19.7% (36.7 TSCF) of the total US reserves (186.7 TSCF). In addition, the undiscovered recoverable natural gas resources of Alaska are about 89 TSCF compared to 610 TSCF in the lower 48 states. Furthermore, the Alaskan unconventional gas resources are more than 500 TCF. The purpose is to review the potential of natural gas resources in Alaska and to address various important issues related to utilization of natural gas. This report provides a brief summary of various gas fields and their geologic settings. The different options for utilization of natural gas to lower 48 states via gas pipeline, conversion to liquefied natural gas and transport, conversion to fuel grade methanol and/or gasoline, natural gas for enhanced oil recovery, gas based petrochemical complex, gas utilization in the form of utilities are critically reviewed with respect to merits and demerits addressing engineering, economic, environmental, supply/demand, market and political aspects. 22 refs., 2 figs., 5 tabs.