Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy: A Team Approach To Resource Management

Abstract

This paper was sele.,ed for presen!at,on by an SPE Program Comrmttee follovmg revm+v of ,nfcmnatwn conlamed Oman abstract subnutted by the author(s) Conlen(s of the paper as presented have not baen revmwed by tha .Soclety of Petroleum Engmers and are subpctad 10 correcl ton by the au!fmr(s] The material, as presentad, doss not necassartly reflect any posmo. of the Soc,ety of Petroleum Engineers ,Is offtcers, or members Papers presented at SPE meeilngs are subject 10 publcatmn rewew by Ed,tor#al Commniees of (he Souely of Petroteum Engineers Permtsslon to copy IS reslnctad to an abstract of not more than 300 words Illustrallons may not be Wpled The ab$lracf should cantam ccmsplcuous acknowledgement of where and by whom Ihe paper was presented Wrlle Librarian SPE P O Box 833836 Richardson TX 75083 -3B3E U S A fax 01-214-952-9435Abstract In spite of the conflicting evidence of global warming due to greenhouse gas emission, PanCanadian accepts the reduction of greenhouse gas as both a political and environmental reality. While PanCanadian is committed to participate in the government and industry sponsored voluntary climate change challenge, we are also acutely aware of its potential impact on our competitiveness considering our status as a hydrocarbon producer and exporter This paper describes a multi-discipline team approach to the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas. This includes identification of all greenhouse gas emission sources, listing the opportunities and relative impact of each remedial solution. and estimated cost associated with the reduction. Both immediate solutions and long term strategies are explored. This includes energy conservation, improving process efficiency and promoting environmental training and awareness programs. A number of important issues become evident in greenhouse gas reduction related to the exploration and production of hydrocarbons: depleting pressure and water encroachment in reservoirs; energy required for producing oil as opposed to producing gas; and public perception of flaring as compared with venting. A cost and benefit study of greenhouse gas reduction opportunities in terms of net present values is discussed. This paper describes a process that can be adapted by other producers in managing air emissions.