Alaska: Very large shale oil discovery made (Fairbanks: living, costs)

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by TechGromit

As impressive as the discovery of 2 billion barrels of oil is, it pales in comparison to Saudi Arabia and Venezuela's proven oil reserves of over 250 billion barrels of oil. America really needs to get itself off the addiction of oil, our future prosperity really depends on it. Natural Gas would make a great alternative that could replace oil today, until renewable energy technology develops.

Along the 2 billion barrels of oil in the small area talked about in the article, there is approximately 80 billion cubic feet of natural gas. But that's not all, since there are a lot of other areas in Alaska (even around Fairbanks) that have very large deposits of both.

[induchman]

Originally Posted by TechGromit

As impressive as the discovery of 2 billion barrels of oil is, it pales in comparison to Saudi Arabia and Venezuela's proven oil reserves of over 250 billion barrels of oil. America really needs to get itself off the addiction of oil, our future prosperity really depends on it. Natural Gas would make a great alternative that could replace oil today, until renewable energy technology develops.

Saudi hit peak oil about 3 years ago and Venezuela can't produce from the Orinoco because of logistical problems. Just ask BP and Conoco - who pulled out b/c of those problems - not Chavez related.

Shale is prevalent all over western half of the US - and, when crude hits $200 bbl, then they'll start work again. Natural gas is the best alternative. I'm converting two gassers to burn NG, CNG and LP - my state offers tax credits for dual fuel (not ethanol).

[Marty Van Diest]

Originally Posted by induchman

Saudi hit peak oil about 3 years ago and Venezuela can't produce from the Orinoco because of logistical problems. Just ask BP and Conoco - who pulled out b/c of those problems - not Chavez related.

Shale is prevalent all over western half of the US - and, when crude hits $200 bbl, then they'll start work again. Natural gas is the best alternative. I'm converting two gassers to burn NG, CNG and LP - my state offers tax credits for dual fuel (not ethanol).

There is 5 bb left in Prudhoe, 27bb offshore the north slope, 10bb in ANWR, plus this 2bb of shale oil and 30bb of heavy oil that can't be pumped yet. Not counting what is in Bakken, Gulf of Mexico, off California etc. We still have enough oil to keep using it if we are allowed to actually drill for it.

Plus there is a lot of coal that can be converted, eventually we will go off oil, but not because we run out of it. We will go off oil when we find a better alternative, gas is good and we can make a transfer to that in the meantime.

[TechGromit]

Originally Posted by RayinAK

Along the 2 billion barrels of oil in the small area talked about in the article, there is approximately 80 billion cubic feet of natural gas. But that's not all, since there are a lot of other areas in Alaska (even around Fairbanks) that have very large deposits of both.

Yes I noticed that, that's way I suggested running vehicles on Natural gas instead of oil.

[Rance]

Keep in mind the subject of this thread is shale oil and gas. NOT FUSION or the ability to read or write anything. You that want to go off topic do it with DM's or stay on topic.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by LadyAuke

Hydro is great here in SE, doesn't seem to mess with the salmon runs (or at least people don't complain) like it does in the lower 48. When electric cars get better, I bet they will do really well in areas already on hydro because electricity is so darn cheap compared to gas. As it is, most people here would do fine in electric cars since we can't really drive long distance anyway. The missing link is we need electric cars with 4WD and more space for hauling things.

The problem with electric automobiles in Alaska mostly is in relation to the very cold temperatures. These in turn make all types of lubricants on the power train very thick, which in turn increases the amount of drag on the electric motors. There batteries lose capacity very fast during the winter months. But you are right about SE Alaska in that most people don't drive very far, so electric cars should work there.

Something else that would be a good idea is for the lawmakers to allow for the use of ATV's on paved roads, at least in some SE towns. I am not referring to average ATV, but to road-legal quads used in some of the European nations. These are wider overall, have smooth and wide tires for driving on paved roads. Also, the center of gravity is lower than the ATV's in the US. Of course, only licensed or trained drivers should be allied to use them.

Here is one of numerous street-legal quads used in Europe:
http://www.gizmag.com/venom-evil-quad/15222/

This one has a small motor (249-CC), so it's quite good on fuel.

[LadyAuke]

Originally Posted by RayinAK

The problem with electric automobiles in Alaska mostly is in relation to the very cold temperatures. These in turn make all types of lubricants on the power train very thick, which in turn increases the amount of drag on the electric motors. There batteries lose capacity very fast during the winter months. But you are right about SE Alaska in that most people don't drive very far, so electric cars should work there.

Something else that would be a good idea is for the lawmakers to allow for the use of ATV's on paved roads, at least in some SE towns. I am not referring to average ATV, but to road-legal quads used in some of the European nations. These are wider overall, have smooth and wide tires for driving on paved roads. Also, the center of gravity is lower than the ATV's in the US. Of course, only licensed or trained drivers should be allied to use them.

Here is one of numerous street-legal quads used in Europe:
The Venom Evil street legal quad

This one has a small motor (249-CC), so it's quite good on fuel.

I see some stuff on our roads that I'm rather certain is not street legal. I think the authorities turn a bit of a blind eye, because that's hardly the most sinister thing happening even in a small town.

[induchman]

Electric cars are in the lower 48 cities, where plug ins can be provided, but the batteries that are dangerous to deal with over time.

I don't know of a single state that allows atv's for street use. Never have seen one with a license plate.

[Moose Whisperer]

Originally Posted by arctichomesteader

Well, with the U.S. using over 6 billion barrels a year, that's about enough for 1/3 of a year.

Even if you dedicated the entire output of TAPS just to pumping these 2 billion bbls, it would take about 5 years to pump it all down south. You seem to have a real problem with basic math.

[warptman]

Originally Posted by induchman

I don't know of a single state that allows atv's for street use. Never have seen one with a license plate.

You can license and ride on the streets in Montana and Wyoming. You can't ride them on the freeways though.