Shale Directories Conferences
FALL 2022 Hydrogen & Carbon Capture Conference IV
November 10, 2022
Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe
Canonsburg, PA (near Pittsburgh)
Latest facts and rumors from the Marcellus, Utica, and Permian, Eagle Ford Plays
Commentaries on Manchin’s Inability to Fastrack Permitting.
· Manchin Retreats. Manchin backs off permitting reform in spending bill. E&E News. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin pulled his permitting reform package from a government spending bill Tuesday afternoon as it became clear the combined effort didn’t have enough votes to advance. “A failed vote on something as critical as comprehensive permitting reform only serves to embolden leaders like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin who wish to see America fail,” the West Virginia Democrat said in a statement. Manchin’s move clears the way for Congress to approve a continuing resolution to keep federal agencies running through Dec. 16. The idea is for lawmakers to approve a longer-term spending omnibus after the elections. The permitting legislation has divided Democrats over fears it would encourage more fossil fuel production.
· Manchin’s Fastrack Permitting Is Done. The death of Manchin’s permitting reform effort is a loss for everyone. Forbes. Opinion. It doesn’t really matter how much money is thrown at a given energy infrastructure project: If you can’t get the permits to move forward, the project can’t and won’t get done. Despite the apparent conceit of progressive members of the U.S. House and Senate and the anti-fossil fuel activist groups who help fund their campaigns, this principle applies every bit as directly to renewable energy projects as it does to oil, gas and coal projects. It’s a reality they do not yet appear to fully grasp. Manchin understands that, without the ability to obtain federal permits in a timely manner, the nation can never achieve its aggressive climate goals, no matter how many billions of dollars the government throws at them.
· There’s Still Life in Manchin’s Effort. Manchin’s permitting overhaul: Not dead yet. E&E News. Lawmakers from both parties signaled they’d be willing to work to find common ground on a reform package in the aftermath of the West Virginia Democrats’ decision to punt on legislation that would ease environmental reviews on energy projects. Attention now is turning to bipartisan talks and places where the overhaul bill could land. Options could include the annual National Defense Authorization Act, as one top Republican suggested yesterday. Another landing spot could be a year-end omnibus government spending bill. Manchin had a lengthy discussion with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on the floor during the vote. Afterward, Manchin said Republican leadership had offered to start talks on a bipartisan permitting deal.
· Manchin’s Withdraws Energy Permitting Bill. Gas pipeline dealt a blow as Manchin withdraws energy-permitting bill. Bloomberg. A US government funding bill was stripped of an effort to speed up the federal approval process for energy projects, dealing a major setback to efforts to fast-track the approval of energy infrastructure including a stalled $6.6 billion natural gas pipeline. Manchin’s proposal would have required federal agencies to approve and issue all permits necessary for the construction of Equitrans Midstream Corp.’s stalled Mountain Valley pipeline within 30 days. Construction on the 303-mile (488-kilometer) conduit, which crosses Manchin’s home state, has been stalled after a federal court in January rejected a permit to cross a national forest following a challenge by environmentalists.
· Machin’s Loss Could Be Bad for the Climate. Why the defeat of Manchin’s energy bill could be a loss for the climate. The Washington Post. On Tuesday, when Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) announced he was pulling his proposal to expand energy development across the country from a must-pass government operations bill, many environmental groups celebrated. “This is a good day for the climate and the environment,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). But the bill also included a provision to rapidly expand transmission lines across the country. Without those lines, the United States is in danger of missing its climate targets entirely, limiting the impact of the massive climate bill passed last month by Congress.
· Anti’s Getting Ready for Round #2. Activists gird for round two in Manchin permitting fight. E&E News. Progressives celebrated when Sen. Joe Manchin’s permitting bill failed this week, but now they’re bracing for the fight’s second round. Lawmakers from both parties on Capitol Hill are trying to breathe life into permitting talks after the West Virginia Democrat realized Tuesday his proposal would fall short of the 60 Senate votes needed to ride with a short-term government funding measure Environmental groups are worried. While they took credit for helping block the measure, gathering opposition from a coalition of progressive lawmakers in the House and Senate, they’re wary of a revived legislative push when the political pressure is off during the lame-duck session after the midterms.
U.S. LNG to Meet Europe’s Energy Needs in Short- & Long-Term
API VP of Natural Gas: “As Russia holds European energy supplies hostage, this study shows how critical American natural gas will be to lasting global energy security”
WASHINGTON, September 26, 2022 – As global natural gas markets continue to tighten and Europe braces for a challenging winter, the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) today released a new analysis of Europe’s natural gas market and highlighted the immense potential of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to help Europe strengthen its energy security. The study, conducted by Rystad Energy, found that while the short-term outlook is challenging, new long-term supplies from abundant and affordable resources could fully replace Russian natural gas and rebalance the European market.
“As Russia holds European energy supplies hostage, this study shows how critical American natural gas will be to lasting global energy security,” API Vice President of Natural Gas Markets Dustin Meyer said. “To harness the power of U.S. LNG, we need smart and consistent policy support here at home, including strengthening domestic pipeline networks and energy export facilities, that will ensure both American consumers and global allies have access to the reliable energy that powers our modern world.”
“The EU needs to secure alternative supplies now if it wants to fully phase out Russian gas imports by 2027. That means acting immediately to support domestic production, secure long-term LNG contracts, and fix remaining infrastructure bottlenecks. Any further delay will extend the suffering our continent is currently experiencing and increases the risk of economic and societal damage. Industry is particularly hard hit.” said François-Régis Mouton, IOGP’s Regional Director for Europe.
The study, “Rebalancing Europe’s gas supply: opportunities in a new era,” shows that abundant and affordable global natural gas resources will make it possible to substitute Russian imports before 2030 but warns that Europe will face a tight natural gas market over the next couple of years with limited short-term options to replace Russian supply. The study shows:
Without Russian pipeline gas, Europe’s demand for LNG is projected to increase 150% from 2021-2040 as overall natural gas demand declines more slowly than domestic production and non-Russian pipeline imports.
LNG is projected to meet approximately 50% of Europe’s natural gas demand through 2030. After 2030, LNG will meet an even greater share, reaching about 75% of demand by 2040.
Growth in European LNG demand will be more than double the 50 bcm (4.8 bcf/d) specified in the March joint agreement between the Biden administration and the EU. While US LNG is already flowing to Europe at record levels, significantly more will be required to fully rebalance European gas markets.
The decisions European and U.S. policymakers make today will impact Europe’s ability to rebalance its natural gas market with dependable, affordable and sustainable energy in the years to come. The study concludes:
To meet the shared energy security commitments of the U.S. and the EU, the U.S. will need to expand its LNG export capacity and the EU will need to expand its import capacity over the next several years.
Long-term LNG purchases and infrastructure contracts are crucial to ensuring a stable supply of energy and should be supported by an appropriate European legal framework.
Timeliness and transparency across the permitting and approval process for the full natural gas and LNG value chain is critical to helping the United States meet its commitments and strengthen global energy security.
U.S. proved reserves of natural gas have increased nearly every year since 2000 due to advancements in natural gas exploration and production technologies. According to the EIA, while U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average a record 86.6 Bcf/d in 2022, steady gains in drilling activity have boosted U.S. natural gas production to near record highs, thus ensuring a well-supplied domestic market while simultaneously meeting rising global LNG demand.
Big Players Will Retain Control in LNG (Thanks, MDN) A few years ago, a trader could buy an LNG cargo for $15-$20 million. Today? It’s an order of magnitude higher. A single “spot” LNG cargo now fetches $175-$200 million! Given the money involved, only a handful of international energy majors and top global trading houses are currently in the game of buying and selling such cargoes. And it appears it will stay that way–in the hands of the big players–at least until 2026. That’s the analysis according to Reuters.
Congratulations to EQT. (Thank you, MDN) In February 2020, EQT Corporation’s credit rating (for company-issued bonds) was designated at the “junk” (i.e. non-investment grade) level. In March of this year, two of the three top credit rating agencies–Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings–upgraded EQT’s credit rating, returning it to investment grade (see EQT Finally Boosts Credit Rating from Junk to Investment Grade). S&P is clearly impressed with the performance of the company. Beginning Oct. 3, one of the stocks listed in the S&P 500 Index is disappearing (merging with another company), freeing up one position. S&P has chosen EQT to fill the slot and become one of the elite 500 stocks in the Index.
Kick the Electric Truck Tires in the Permian. Permian pickup truck pilot allows oil, gas players to kick tires with fleet electrification. NGI. Permian Basin oil and natural gas operators and oilfield services companies curious about fleet electrification can try out fully electric pickup trucks under a pilot program launched by Merge Electric Fleet Solutions. “It’s not realistic to replace 100% of the trucks in a corporate fleet immediately, especially in a geographic area as big as the Permian Basin,” said CEO Glen Stancil. “However, a pilot program like this one will help oil and gas companies focus on the routes, drivers and vehicles in their fleets that are ready to be fully electric.”
Kudos to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. (Thank you, MDN) Every now and again, the editorial board at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a far-left-leaning newspaper, surprises us. Yesterday’s editorial is one such day. We brought you the news yesterday that the uber-arrogant billionaire Mike Bloomberg is spending $85 million to try and shut down or block petrochemical plants like the Shell ethane cracker in the Pittsburgh region (see Mike Bloomberg Spends $85M to Stop Petchem Plants in M-U, Gulf Coast). Bloomberg’s efforts don’t sit well with the Post-Gazette editors, who are telling Bloomberg to “butt out” of interfering with petrochemicals in the Ohio Valley.
ARCH2 Press Release. The State of West Virginia, EQT Corporation, the nation’s largest natural gas producer, Battelle and GTI Energy, both with deep expertise executing clean energy programs for the federal government, and Allegheny Science & Technology (AST), a leading West Virginia energy technology consulting firm, have collaborated to establish a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in the Appalachian region, the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2).
The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) is expected to be centered in West Virginia while expanding its impact, through cooperative efforts in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The region is the ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub, due to its unique access to ample low-cost natural gas feedstock, end-user demand, workforce and technology capability, and carbon sequestration potential.
ARCH2 will be a key foundational component of America’s transition toward decarbonization. The ARCH2 team is composed of entities with operations across the Appalachian region spanning the hydrogen value chain as well as energy technology organizations, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory, consultants, academic institutions, community organizations, and NGOs that will provide commercial, technical, and programmatic leadership for the development and buildout of the hub.
Additional industrial partners and other stakeholders, including community organizations, are encouraged to participate and contribute to ARCH2’s clean energy ecosystem.
The Appalachian region provides significant existing resources for ARCH2, including the critical infrastructure required for low-cost natural gas production and storage, existing pipelines and transportation networks, and proximity to major end-use markets in the Midwest and Northeast. The region also boasts a highly skilled energy workforce – as well as support from labor organizations, environmental non-profits, academic institutions, and community stakeholders – all of which will be integral to project development and associated job retention and creation, particularly in disadvantaged and underserved communities.
“Under the leadership of Governor Jim Justice, West Virginia is prepared to lead in this initiative — and others like it — that continue to diversify and grow the energy portfolio of our state and our region while spearheading the expansion of energy options for the nation,” said Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael. “This is another example of how West Virginia continues to lead, as we always have, in supplying the energy needs of the United States.”
“The world is demanding cheaper, more reliable, cleaner energy—and lots more of it. Yet, the energy industry has yet to deliver a truly sustainable energy solution that can meet this monumental moment in our efforts to address climate change, while eliminating energy poverty and providing energy security. But that is about to change,” said EQT President and CEO Toby Z. Rice. “America’s oil and gas industry has awakened to the opportunity in front of them. Abundant, low-emissions Appalachian natural gas can and will serve as the strategic foundation for all phases of our journey to decarbonize the world. Blue hydrogen is a reliable, zero-carbon solution that represents a significant next step in our journey.”
“Battelle’s core mission is to develop and deploy science and technology for societal benefits, which is completely consistent with the Clean Regional Hydrogen Hub objectives,” said Lou Von Thaer, Battelle President and CEO. “Battelle’s experience in managing and executing complex public-private partnerships will lead to a sustainable regional program that meets government and industry objectives, addressing technical, commercial, and social justice goals in a highly transparent manner. We are proud to be part of such an initiative.”
“GTI Energy is developing innovative solutions such as low-carbon hydrogen that enable clean energy access to our communities. Our deep roots in the energy industry and collaborative approach to advancing technologies enable us to deploy integrated hydrogen solutions at scale,” said Dr. Paula A. Gant, President and CEO of GTI Energy. “We have a long history of bringing together public and private partnerships, which will be critical for hydrogen hubs. We are excited to work with our industry and technology partners to support the decarbonization of the Appalachian region while stimulating economic growth through the development of a hydrogen market.”
“ARCH2 will play a vital role in the development and realization of DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub vision,” stated Arria Hines, AST’s CEO. “ARCH2 represents the future of energy in our country and is the foundation upon which a robust regional hydrogen economy will be built. ARCH2 will combine a world-class team of industry experts with Appalachia’s vast untapped resources, existing energy infrastructure, and proximity to regional markets that will drive an ‘All of the Above’ energy future for our nation.”
Current Participating Entities:
Air Liquide
Allegheny Science & Technology
American Electric Power
The Babcock & Wilcox Company
Battelle
BHE GT&S
Bloom Energy
Chemours
Climate Smart Business Solutions
CNX
Cornerstone Chemical Company
Dominion Energy
DT-Midstream
ElementUS
Emerging Fuels Technology
Energy Innovation Center Institute, Inc.
EPRI
EQT
Fairmont-Marion County Transit Authority
Fidelis New Energy
General Hydrogen Corp
Greylock Midstream
GTI Energy
Hope Gas
IN-2-Market
Long Ridge Energy & Power, LLC
Marathon Petroleum, including its Affiliate MPLX
Marshall University Research Corporation
Mountain Transit Authority
National Energy Technology Laboratory
National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation
New Fortress
Nucor Steel West Virginia
OVRTA
Peoples Natural Gas
Plug Power
Potomac Valley Transit Authority
SARTA (Stark Area Regional Transit Authority)
General Hydrogen Corp.
TC Energy Corporation
TRC Companies
Watt Fuel Cell
West Virginia University
Williams
Transporting Hydrogen in the Appalachian Basin. Appalachian Basin Engineers Studying Hydrogen Transport in Natural Gas Pipelines. NGI. MATTHEW VEAZEY
How to safely and securely transport hydrogen through natural gas infrastructure is the focus of a new research partnership between the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) Swanson School of Engineering and utility Peoples Natural Gas.
“Hydrogen has the potential to transform the way we heat our homes and power our businesses, using the existing natural gas distribution system,” said Peoples’ Mike Huwar, president. “Pitt and the Swanson School have the expertise we need to test and study its feasibility as a transformative energy resource.”
Natural gas also is used to produce so-called blue hydrogen.
Peoples and Pitt engineers initially plan to benchmark and research existing information and data on hydrogen distribution, focusing on technical issues tied to shipping hydrogen or hydrogen-natural gas blends in gas pipelines. Afterward, they would likely collaborate on a pilot project to test hydrogen’s impacts on Peoples’ natural gas distribution infrastructure.
“This is an outstanding partnership of capabilities,” said Pitt’s Brian Gleeson, professor of mechanical engineering and materials science. “Although much progress has been made over the past decades, further research and testing are needed for the safe and affordable implementation of carbon-neutral hydrogen technologies.”
The collaborators noted that Western Pennsylvania, a natural gas hub in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations, could “become a leader in the development and commercialization of hydrogen.”
They said hydrogen’s distinct physical and chemical properties “require answers to technical questions, such as its effects on pipeline materials, to determine whether natural gas utilities can safely and effectively transport it through existing infrastructure.”
The Pitt and Peoples team said hydrogen could “serve as a source of energy when used in combustion appliances of fuel cells that produce clean electricity. Its potential use as a supplement to natural gas could have an important role in future energy transition strategies in our region to significantly reduce emissions.”
Nearby, in West Virginia, researchers are studying how to keep natural gas turbine blades at power plants intact when using hydrogen to produce electricity.
PA Permit September 19, to September 29, 2022
County Township E&P Companies
1. Allegheny Frazer Range
2. Beaver New Sewickley PennEnergy
3. Cameron Shippen Seneca
4. Elk Jones Seneca
OH Permits September 18, to September 24, 2022
County Township E&P Companies
1. Jefferson Steubenville Ascent
2. Jefferson Steubenville Ascent
3. Jefferson Steubenville Ascent
4. Jefferson Steubenville Ascent
5. Jefferson Steubenville Ascent
6. Jefferson Wells Ascent
WV Permits September 19, to September 23, 2022
1. Lewis HG Energy
2. Lewis HG Energy
3. Lewis HG Energy
4. Lewis HG Energy
5. Lewis HG Energy
6. Lewis HG Energy
7. Marshall SWN
8. Monongalia Northeast Nat. Ener
9. Monongalia Northeast Nat. Ener
10. Monongalia Northeast Nat. Ener
11. Monongalia Northeast Nat. Ener
12. Tyler Antero T
13. Tyler Antero
14. Tyler Antero
15. Tyler Antero
16. Tyler Antero
17. Tyler Antero
Joe Barone 610.764.1232
