Gas Resource Development of the Mackenzie Delta/Beaufort SeaRegion, Northwest Territories, Canada: Partnering Positive ProjectEconomics with Socio-Environmental Sensitivity

摘要

Much has been written about the geology & gas prospectivity of the Mackenzie Delta/Beaufort Searegion (discovered recoverable reserves of 9.0 Tcf National Energy Board 1998). These resources can positivelyimpact and shape Canada’s energy policy. The reserves of the Mackenzie Delta/Beaufort Sea region are importanton a global scale ranking with gas projects such as Camisea in Peru and Camago-Malampaya in the Philippines.Forecasts show the U.S. increasing their demand for gas by 33% to 30 Tcf/year by 2010 (AAPG Explorer 1999)which will drive North American gas development. Resource development in the Mackenzie Delta region comeswith a caveat. This region is an integral part of Canada’s delicate arctic ecosystem. There are many socio-economicand cultural issues that must be managed on a massive gas project such as this as well.Through a number of drilling, construction, and transportation technologies a gas pipeline development scenario willbe presented such that these rich gas resources can be transported with a positive bottom line to developers whileminimizing impact to the environment and the indigenous cultures. A review of the Yamal Center (Russia) arcticgas pipeline study will be included.