Oil and Natural Gas Supply
The Arctic Energy Office
Alaska’s fossil energy resources will likely play a greater role in meeting the nation’s
energy needs in the future. Alaska holds about one-fifth of America’s remaining proved oil reserves, large accumulations of associated natural gas awaiting a means
to reach a market, and over half of its coal resources. When stranded North Slope
natural gas and unconventional oil and gas resources such as viscous oil, coal bed
natural gas, and methane hydrates are factored in, the energy resources found in
Alaska are astounding. Despite Alaska’s energy wealth, producing and delivering
those resources to the rest of the United States, as well as providing affordable
power to Alaska’s rural villages, continues to be a challenge. NETL’s Arctic Energy Office is coordinating with industry, academia, and other Government agencies to
demonstrate the value of Alaska’s fossil fuel resources to the Nation and Alaska’s rural community while maintaining the pristine environment in which it is contained.
Arctic Energy Office objectives include a strong
emphasis on environmental issues concerning
development of Alaska’s resources, such
as fragile tundra, permafrost, and wildlife
protection. Preserving the unspoiled nature of
Alaska is a major consideration of the program. The Arctic Energy Office coordinates with state
agencies and academia to deliver research that
will address environmental issues limiting oil,
gas, and coal development in Alaska.
Alaska North Slope Oil and Gas: A Promising Future or an Area in Decline? - Addendum Report [PDF-3.46] This is an addendum to a report originally published in 2007 (listed below). The purpose of the 2007 report was to provide a detailed assessment and analysis of Alaska North Slope oil and gas resources and the interrelated technical, economic, and environmental factors controlling development of those resources. This addendum report was prepared to update the results of additional drilling and developments that occurred after the publication of the 2007 report, since the majority of the work on the previous 2007 report was done in 2005 and was based on production through December 31, 2004. This addendum report is based on drilling, development, and production history through December 31, 2007.
Original 2007 DOE Report [PDF-7MB]
The Office of Fossil Energy has issued a comprehensive new report Alaska North Slope Oil and Gas: A Promising Future or an Area in Decline? To answer this question, the report examines the potential for Arctic Alaska to remain a major contributor to the Nation's domestic energy supply under different development scenarios. Read the summary report [PDF-3MB]
Nome Region Energy Assessment [PDF-2.60MB] The purpose of this assessment is to present an analysis of options available to the city of Nome for electric power production and space heating. Typical of most of Alaska’s rural communities, Nome is totally dependent upon diesel generators to generate electricity for its citizens. As with all communities that rely primarily (if not exclusively) upon diesel generation, Nome is facing increasing costs for the diesel for electric generation and space heating.
The study was prepared at the request of the mayor of Nome and is intended to provide information for planning and decision-making by city officials and state agencies regarding power and space heat strategies for Nome and other similarly situated communities.
Current AE Projects: