Japanese energy firms start joint study for shale gas development in British Columbia, Canada

Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Inpex have started a joint study which is focused on shale gas development in the Horn River, Liard, and Cordova areas in British Columbia, Canada.

The firms had signed an agreement with Inpex-subsidiary Inpex Gas British Columbia (IGBC) and CNOOC-subsidiary Nexen Energy in March this year for the assessing of the geological characteristics of the areas through analysis of rock sample properties extracted from shale reservoirs selected for development.

Interpretation of the geological data derived from the collaborative study is expected to boost JOGMEC and Inpex’s technological capabilities for rock analysis.

Data extracted during the shale gas development and production phases from the marked areas are expected to assist in optimisation and streamlining of the development of shale gas reservoirs.

The partners have already completed selection of the rock samples to be analysed as a part of the study, and also started off with the analysis from July.

The study is likely to be conducted for approximately a year, Inpex said.

Financial support for the project will be offered by JOGMEC through IGBC.

Nexen will continue development and production operations for shale gas in the region during the entire period, in coordination with IGBC.