The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated the North Slope’s hydrate resource at 590 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas in-place. On the central North Slope, two hydrate accumulations, Eileen and Tarn, alone account for a potential natural gas resource of as much as 100 Tcf. NETL—under its National Methane Hydrate R&D Program—is working with BP Exploration, Inc., and the North Slope Borough to determine the commercial viability of methane hydrate and associated free gas resources on the slope. A gas hydrate characterization well could be drilled in BP’s Milne Point oilfield as early as the 2006-2007 winter.  See project description.

NETL expects to perform additional R&D activities to develop hydrate production technologies while protecting the environment.

Location of Alaskan North Slope methane hydrate resources