Sediments of Stefanets Mb. (Etropole Fm.), consisting mainly of shale and siltstones, are investigated by Rock-Eval pyrolysis. The samples from the Middle Jurassic section (Bajocian in age), outcropping within the western part of the Balkan orogenic system in Bulgaria, were analyzed to study their hydrocarbon generative potential. The obtained TOC contents are in the range of 0.69–1.97 wt.%. Inorganic carbon (TIC) and total sulphur (TS) contents are low and coincide with previously published data. The values of S1 and S2 are between 0.01 and 0.10 (mg HC/g rock) because of the high thermal maturity level, as indicated by Tmax values of 566-610 °C. The rocks are in the postmature stage and consequently the HI values are very low (< 10 mg HC/g TOC). The fair to good quantity, low quality, as well as the high level of thermal maturity of the organic matter, assume minor remaining gas-prone generation potential of Stefanets Mb.
The level of scientific knowledge about a gas hydrate deposit (GHD) in the northern deep-water part of the Bulgarian Exclusive Economic Zone (BEEZ), energy, climate and environmental problems determine the need of urgent creation and realization of a Bulgarian program for gas hydrate development. We present a review of this knowledge and define 3 preliminary steps for funds optimizations and fast creation and implementation of pilot and innovative economically profitable technologies for fuel production (CH4 and/or H2) with low geohazard and environmental risk and negative carbon footprint on the atmosphere.
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