The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has presented a new technical assessment that indicates the existence of significant undiscovered and technically recoverable hydrocarbon reserves in the western United States.
Hydrocarbon reserves in Mowry exceed 473M barrels
According to the report, the Mowry Composite Total Petroleum System, which spans southeastern Wyoming and northeastern Colorado, holds approximately 473 million barrels of oil and 27 trillion cubic feet of gas. and 27 trillion cubic feet of gas.
These figures represent considerable energy potential. To put it in perspective, the estimated amount of gas is equivalent to three months of current U.S. consumption. The finding highlights the key role that this area could play in energy supply. national energy supply national energy supply in the coming years.
A geological system with a productive history
Since the 1950s, the Mowry system-which includes formations such as Dakota, Muddy, Mowry Shale and Frontier-has produced 7.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and about 90 million barrels of crude oil. The new assessment does not include other active formations in the region, such as Lance, Lewis Shale or Mesa Verde, suggesting that the total potential could be even greater.
Sarah Ryker, acting director of the USGS, said that assessments of this type focus on resources that have not yet been discovered, but have a high probability of existence based on scientific criteria.
This study provides fundamental data to guide the responsible management of energy resources.
He noted.
Implications for energy security
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum noted that these resources strengthen the U.S. ability to maintain its energy independence.
The public lands of southwest Wyoming have enormous potential, and this scientific assessment provides key information for making informed decisions.
He stated.
The report is based on detailed geological studies of an area that millions of years ago was covered by a shallow sea, which allowed the accumulation of key organic matter for the formation of hydrocarbons.
It is also expected that this information will be used by the energy industry to energy industry to plan new explorations, and by policy makers to establish regulations to ensure sustainable development.
Future outlook
Although the report does not imply immediate development, it does represent a strategic resource that could be activated depending on demand and the regulatory environment. The assessment also replaces a previous analysis conducted in 2005, and reflects advances in geological knowledge and technological capability to access these resources.
These types of USGS reports are considered a key tool for anticipating the potential for U.S. energy development in the coming decades.
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Internal source: U.S . Department of the Interior.
Main photo: Shutterstock
