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UT Austin to lead $58M study of methane hydrate in Gulf of Mexico; $41M from DOE

Green Car Congress

Methane hydrate—natural gas trapped in an ice-like cage of water molecules—occurs in both terrestrial and marine environments. Post-cruise analyses will determine the in situ concentrations, the physical properties, the lithology, and the thermodynamic state of methane hydrate bearing sand reservoirs.

Mexico 294
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BC government won’t support Northern Gateway oilsands pipeline as presented over spill response concerns

Green Car Congress

Northern Gateway’s West line, 36 inches in diameter, would transport an average of 525,000 barrels of oil sands crude per day to Kitimat. The provincial government has established, and maintains, strict conditions in order for British Columbia to consider the construction and operation of heavy-oil pipelines in the province.

Oil-Sands 199
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BOEM releases for comment draft EIS on G&G survey activities to develop energy resources in Mid- and South Atlantic

Green Car Congress

The PEIS describes and evaluates the potential environmental impacts of G&G survey activities in Federal waters of the Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and adjacent State waters for three program areas (oil and gas, renewable energy, and marine minerals) during the 2012-2020 time period. Savannah, Ga.;

Oil-Sands 210
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Rice University lab study suggests foam may maximize enhanced oil recovery efforts

Green Car Congress

Results of a Rice University laboratory study suggests that using foam may maximize enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Oil resides in formations of rock and sand in small cracks and crevices that have proved devilishly difficult to tap. Drillers pump various substances downhole to loosen and either push or carry oil to the surface.

Oil 218
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Canada Launches Algal Biofuels Project

Green Car Congress

Speaking in Halifax, the Honorable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), made the announcement at the launch of the algal biofuel project at the National Research Council Institute for Marine Biosciences (NRC-IMB). In parallel, scientists are also working to develop technology to effectively extract the oil.

Canada 286
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Follow the sand to the real fracking boom

Green Car Congress

When it takes up to four million pounds of sand to frack a single well, it’s no wonder that demand is outpacing supply and frack sand producers are becoming the biggest behind-the-scenes beneficiaries of the American oil and gas boom. says the output of wells is up to 30% higher when they are blasted with more sand.

Oil-Sands 262
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Watery, Peaceful, Wild: The Call of the Mangroves

Baua Electric

Instead, on a kayak tour with Serlon St Jago, a guide from the Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park , we were learning about the country’s mangrove restoration, and the vital role mangrove habitats play in coastal resilience, protection for marine and bird species, and fighting the effects of climate change.

Mariner 52