Energy & Environment

Workshop on Unconventional Oil And Gas Exploration, Development And Safety

Jason Harmala — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:10:11 -0600

The Atlantic Council and Goldwyn Global Strategies hosted the workshop “Unconventional Oil And Gas Exploration, Development And Safety: A Deep Dive Into The Science, Technology And Best Practices” on December 6-7 in Brussels, Belgium which centered on best practices and smart regulation of the shale gas exploration and production. This workshop aimed at informing regulators on the practices and techniques regulators utilize in comparative jurisdictions to safely regulate unconventional gas resources. The workshop was of a technical nature, appropriate for regulators and parliamentarians, with sessions led by distinguished academic experts and regulators in the fields of unconventional drilling, water management and unconventional extraction regulation.

The two day master class with sessions led by a knowledgeable and well-rounded group of individuals and topics focused on issues ranging from geological characteristics of shale plays, water usage and chemicals, to the impact on communities and the use of aquifers.

Crowne Plaza Brussels - Le Palace
Rue Gineste 3,
B-1210 Brussels, Belgium

WORKSHOP AGENDA (PDF)

Energy for Water and Water for Energy

Jason Harmala — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:51:19 -0600

This report, "Energy for Water and Water for Energy," based on the May 2011 workshop’s presentations and discussions, highlights the issues, suggested solutions, and innovative programs that companies and organizations have undertaken to address the nexus problem. It concludes with preliminary recommendations to bring about common sense and effective ways to deal with the energy water nexus in the United States.

Given the importance of addressing the energy water nexus, the Council has initiated a two part series on the nexus issue by bringing together leading US experts to highlight the work being undertaken by Congress, US government agencies, national laboratories, private sector companies and other institutions. The Council held the first meeting on May 17, 2011, focusing on thermal electric power production, and convened a follow-on meeting on the nexus as it relates to the production of primary energy and transportation fuels on November 10, 2011.

The Atlantic Council’s Energy and the Environment Program continues its efforts to inform Congress, the American public, and key policy and industry leaders on energy related issues that impact the United States’ (US) ability to protect its energy, national, economic and environmental security. The Council’s goal is to develop a fact based understanding of energy related issues as well as to identify technology and policy options to address them.

European Unconventional Gas Developments

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:40:16 -0500

With the growing realization that substantial unconventional gas resources have the potential to play a major role in supplementing conventional gas resources in many countries, it has become important to consider the prospects, challenges and regulations necessary to ensure the safe and environmentally sound development of such resources. This will be critical to creating supply options in many countries facing growing energy requirements and tightening supplies of conventional gas supplies. The Energy and Environment Program of the Atlantic Council, with the support and guidance of the US State Department and Department of Energy organized a series of workshops to update European governments and non-governmental thought leaders on the progress that is being made in resolving many of the technical, environmental, and social issues related to unconventional gas production in order to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges remaining and the necessity for additional industry specific regulations.

An initial workshop to update a mainly European audience was held in January 2011 in Washington, DC. This workshop drew on the experience of North American companies, non-governmental organizations, and government officials to identify the most recent knowledge on the technical, environmental and political challenges associate with unconventional gas production. Ample time was provided for meeting participants to discuss their observations and concerns with the expert presenters. This was followed by a meeting in Brussels, in March 2011, involving a similar set of expert presentations that would involve industry participants and policy makers from the European Commission, National governments, and European think tanks

Geological conditions in Europe will vary widely and often be different from North American conditions. In addition, it is important to recognize that the US regulatory environment has not kept pace with the rapid growth of unconventional gas production in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is undertaking a major review of the industry that is unlikely to be completed before late in 2012 owing to the complex interrelationships between exploration/ production technology and public concerns over the environmental impacts on water and land. While most of the press discussion has been focused on Shale Gas reserves, there are also substantial opportunities for exploiting tight sands and coal bed methane (CBM) throughout Europe.

In the United States it took over a decade to develop the technology to support the dramatic growth in unconventional gas production. With the benefit of North American experience, developments in Europe have the potential to move faster. However, this potential will only be realized if particular attention is given to the challenges associated with creating the regulatory frameworks that will be necessary to responsibly develop unconventional resources. Over time, it is expected that the European development of unconventional gas resources, along with the expanded availability of LNG previously destined for the US, will have a significant impact on markets throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe for a number of decades.

Energy: NATO's Tool for Success

Rachel Posner — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:22:04 -0500

With headlines about unrest in the Middle East and oil prices jumping to the highest level since 2008, energy has again risen to the forefront of the public agenda. But for those of us in the national security arena, energy should never fall from our radar. Energy is critical to military operations - for the United States and our NATO partners - and presents an important opportunity for success in the Afghanistan Mission. Beyond the geopolitical externalities that dominate today's public discourse on energy security, access to energy carries profound implications both for NATO forces and local Afghans. With a collaborative, strategic approach to energy, NATO forces will have the means to overcome enemy insurgents and promote human development in Afghanistan.

At the macro level, NATO forces require large volumes of fuel to operate in Afghanistan. Energy is consumed in generators powering forward operating bases (providing electricity for communications as well as heating, cooling, and lighting of shelters), as well as tactical vehicles transporting troops across Afghanistan's treacherous terrain, aircraft and helicopters delivering materiel into and around theater, and Remotely Piloted Vehicles gathering intelligence from overhead. Thus, energy is fundamental to mission success in Afghanistan. But providing all this energy for NATO forces translates into an operational challenge. Not only is fuel brought into Afghanistan by ground, rail, and air transport at a high cost, but it is also trucked to troops based in remote locations throughout the country. Resupply convoys have a high opportunity cost as they place resources at risk that could otherwise contribute to the mission more directly. They consume fuel as they wind through mountain passes, require force protection, and are vulnerable to disruption from weather events or insurgent attack. In turn, reducing energy demand at base camps lowers the frequency for fuel resupply, which allows commanders to redirect forces from escorting fuel trucks to engaging in other activities. A range of low-cost, low-risk solutions to pare down energy demand on bases exist today that could be implemented at scale with a collaborative NATO approach. For example, right-sizing generators to loads and controlling temperatures in shelters can reduce energy demand significantly.

At the tactical edge - in isolated corners of Afghanistan - advanced equipment aiding NATO forces comes with the need for battery power at the individual level. For example, it is estimated that United States Army Soldiers each carry 20-40 pounds of batteries for a typical 72-hour mission. Heavy loads can limit the mobility of Service members on foot patrol, presenting difficulties evading enemy attack as well as long-term health implications (like musculoskeletal injuries). To be successful against insurgents, NATO forces need to be stealthy and agile, but the persistent need to return to vehicles or tactical operation centers to replace batteries or recharge with noisy generators can open troops to enemy detection. In response, NATO partners are making great advancements in developing and field-testing innovative energy solutions. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defense recently announced plans to deploy an innovative battery technology for radio systems that will lighten the load for troops on the front line by nearly 12 kg. Alternative energy sources - like the solar-powered communication systems employed by the U.S. Marine Corps India Company 3/5 in Helmand Province - also increase capability of forces operating in austere environments by reducing the need for fuel resupply and improving operational flexibility. Conceivably, some of the technologies deployed with troops today could be left behind to aid local Afghans in the future (such as solar-powered water purification systems). Ranging in application from large-scale operating bases to individual Service members, the proven energy solutions currently available to NATO forces should be fielded at scale through a collaborative effort to improve mission effectiveness in theater.

Beyond powering NATO forces directly, energy also is a useful tool for building local capacity and promoting economic development in Afghanistan. According to the OECD, only 15.6 percent of the Afghan population has access to electricity. Without electricity, communities lack basic services, such as lighting and refrigeration, which affect the health and livelihoods of citizens. In Afghanistan, the widespread practice of burning biomass (such as animal dung or straw) for heating and cooking degrades air quality and causes harmful respiratory diseases, particularly in children. These energy poverty issues are interrelated with access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and food. Cross-sector energy solutions can have multiplier effects touching health, education, and economic development. For example, biogas digesters convert human and animal waste - which could otherwise contaminate drinking water sources - into methane gas (for cooking and heating) as well as fertilizer for crops, thus addressing energy, sanitation, and health issues simultaneously. ISAF recently marked the completion of a biogas plant in Kabul, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the capacity to facilitate the construction of more biogas digesters across the country. As part of its counter-insurgency strategy, NATO forces have the opportunity to use energy as the central means for an integrated approach with development agencies to provide these basic services and improve the lives of local Afghans.

As NATO forces posture for a drawdown in the coming years, all partners would benefit from a joint, strategic approach to energy. Emphasis should be placed on fielding simple and enduring energy solutions that bring improved capability to troops today and can be left behind for local Afghans in the future. The foundation of this process requires allies to exchange energy-related data, lessons learned, and best practices from existing pilot programs in theater. Such a foundation will enable NATO forces to identify and subsequently deploy at scale the most promising energy solutions. A NATO-wide energy initiative of this kind in Afghanistan can fundamentally enhance mission effectiveness at multiple levels, from overcoming enemy insurgents to improving human development for local communities. As budgets tighten and allies strive to achieve a durable peace, energy is an essential tool for NATO success in Afghanistan.

Rachel Posner is a policy and programs analyst in the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs. Previously, she served as a fellow in the Energy and National Security Program and as the assistant director of the Global Water Futures Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The views presented are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components. This essay was first published at Atlantic Community. Photo credit: Maj. Paul Greenberg/US Marines.

Divided Europe: The Politics of New Nuclear Power in the European Union

Adrienne Chuck — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:25:43 -0500

On May 2, the Atlantic Council held a conversation with Vaclav Bartuska, Special Envoy for Energy Security, Czech Republic, on the future of nuclear power and how the Japanese nuclear crisis has caused some, but not all, in Europe to reconsider their attitudes toward this source of energy.

Currently around one-third of the electricity consumed in the European Union comes from nuclear power, which is one of the largest sources of carbon free energy in Europe. While the disaster in Japan has highlighted the risks of nuclear energy, nations will continue to use it for lack of reliable alternative to feed their growing energy demands. But now, efforts to expand Europe's nuclear power base will be met with new challenges and costs, both financial and political. Although expanding nuclear generation has always been a controversial issue and the Central and Eastern European members did not traditionally face the strong public opposition seen in some Western European countries, the Fukushima incident brought to light the division over the role nuclear power should play in the European energy mix.

Featuring

Vaclav Bartuska
Special Envoy for Energy Security, Czech Republic

Moderated by

John Lyman
Director, Energy and Environment Program, Atlantic Council

European Unconventional Gas Developments

Jason Harmala — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:54:54 -0500

On March 14th the Atlantic Council and the Institut Français des Relations Internationales co-organized a workshop with industry participants and policy makers from the European Commission, National and regional governments, and European think tanks to further Trans-Atlantic Dialogue on energy issues in the framework of the EU US Energy Council, which agreed last November to exchange expertise on environmental issues related to the utilization of unconventional gas resources, including shale gas, especially with a view to addressing the issue of public acceptance.

An initial workshop was held on January 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. This workshop drew on the experience of North American companies, non-governmental organizations, and government officials to identify the most recent knowledge on the technical, environmental and political challenges associate with unconventional gas production. Both workshops were organized by the Atlantic Council's Energy and Environment Program, with the support and guidance of the US State Department and Department of Energy is organizing two workshops to update European governments, legislators and non-governmental organizations on the progress that is being made in resolving many of the technical, environmental, and social issues related to unconventional gas production. These workshops are designed to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges remaining and to help determine if additional industry specific regulations are required.

Program Agenda (PDF)

Presentations (PDF):

Session 1:

Chris Hopkins, Vice President, Unconventional Gas, Schumberger
Brenda Pierce, Energy Resources Program Coordinator, U.S. Geological Survey
Michael Schaal, Director Office of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Analysis, Energy Information Administration
Brian Horsfield, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences: Part 1, Part 2

Session 2:

Session 3:

Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Natural Resources Defense Council

Session 5:

Geological conditions in Europe vary widely and are often different from North American conditions. In addition, it is important to recognize that the US regulatory environment has not kept pace with the rapid growth of unconventional gas production in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is undertaking a major review of the industries impact on water supplies that will not be completed before late in 2012 owing to the complex interrelationships between exploration/ production technology and public concerns over environmental impacts. While most of the press discussion has been focused on Shale Gas reserves, there are also substantial opportunities for exploiting tight sands and coal bed methane (CBM) throughout Europe.

In the United States it took over a decade to develop the technology to support the dramatic growth in unconventional gas production. With the benefit of North American experience, especially with respect to environmental issues, developments in Europe have the potential to move faster. However, this potential will only be realized if particular attention is given to the challenges associated with creating the regulatory frameworks that will be necessary to responsibly develop unconventional resources.

Over time, it is expected that European development of unconventional gas resources, along with the expanded availability of LNG previously destined for the US, will have a significant impact on markets throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe for a number of decades.

The workshop in Brussels involved presentations from the gas industry, NGO’s and academic institutions as well as the EU Commission, EU Member States' authorities, and representatives from the US Government. In order to foster full participation the conference will be limited to 80-90 total participants.

Following the workshop, the Atlantic Council will publish an issue brief that will be widely distributed in Europe and North America.

A Realistic Balanced Perspective on European Unconventional Gas Developments

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:29:05 -0600

The Energy and Environment Program of the Atlantic Council, with the support and guidance of the US State Department and Department of Energy is organizing a series of workshops to update European governments and non-governmental thought leaders on the progress that is being made in resolving many of the technical, environmental, and social issues related to unconventional gas production in order to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges remaining and the necessity for additional industry specific regulations.

An initial workshop to update a mainly European audience was held on January 25, 2011 at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC. The workshop drew on the experience of North American companies, non-governmental organizations, and government officials to identify the most recent knowledge on the technical, environmental and political challenges associate with unconventional gas production.

The January workshop will be followed with a March 14th meeting in Brussels involving a similar set of expert presentations that would involve industry participants and policy makers from the European Commission, National governments, and European think tanks

With the growing realization that substantial unconventional gas resources have the potential to play a major role in supplementing conventional gas resources in many countries, it has become important to consider the prospects, challenges and regulations necessary to ensure the safe and environmentally sound development of such resources. This will be critical to creating supply options in many countries facing growing energy requirements and tightening supplies of conventional gas supplies. . In the United States it took over a decade to develop the technology to support the dramatic growth in unconventional gas production. With the benefit of North American experience, developments in Europe have the potential to move faster. However, this potential will only be realized if particular attention is given to the challenges associated with creating the regulatory frameworks that will be necessary to responsibly develop unconventional resources.

Workshop Agenda (PDF)

Presentations (PDF):

Session 1:

Valerie Jochen, Schlumberger

Session 2:

Session 3:

Session 4:

Central Europe and the Geopolitics of Energy

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:52:00 -0600

In the latest Energy and Environment Program issue brief titled "Central Europe and the Geopolitics of Energy," co-authors Franklin D. Kramer, John R. Lyman, and Mihaela C. Carstei explain the need for a coordinated energy security policy for Central Europe.

Introduction:

Energy security presents quintessential geopolitical challenges. In Central Europe, achieving energy security can be a critical element for a continent seeking to resolve vestigial Cold War complexities with Russia and toward meeting 21st century challenges including balanced economic development, energy diversity and climate change. Central Europe, utilizing both European Union support and Western European national assistance and enhanced by United States technical assistance, can take five key steps that will go far toward
resolving energy security challenges and help to reframe the geopolitics of the continent. those steps are:

Create a formal regional cooperation mechanism
Transform regional gas markets and infrastructure
Develop balanced and cooperative nuclear power generation capacity
Increase energy efficiency – the hidden source of energy in the region
Explore alternative coal technologies

Such actions can be a transformative set of events not only for energy security but for the continued building of a Europe whole, free and effective.

Central and Eastern Europe Energy Security Series:

In 2010, the Atlantic Council initiated a dialogue of government, industry and non-governmental policy experts to examine current efforts to transform the supply and consumption of energy to create a sustainable energy future for Central Europe that addresses an integrated goal of energy security, environmental responsibility and economic prosperity. this initiative seeks to further the understanding on how to transform the existing regional alliance with realistic and balanced policies that will integrate the energy sector in the
Visegrad 4 countries and expand interconnections with Eastern and Western neighbors, such as Germany.

Key events included a conference on “US - EU Dialogue on Sustainable Energy Security: Ensuring Physical Security of Supply, Environmental Responsibility and Economic Prosperity in Central Europe “ co-hosted with the Clingendael International Energy Program at the Netherlands Institute for International Relations and the Prague Securities Studies Institute.

Franklin D. Kramer is Vice Chairman of the Atlantic Council Board of Directors and is a member of the Atlantic Council Strategic Advisors Group. He served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs during the Clinton Administration. John R. Lyman is the Director of the Energy and Environment Program, with 28 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Mihaela C. Carstei is Associate Director of the Energy and Environment Program.