Better Living Through (Petro-) Chemistry

Another bitumen bonanza - Oilweek

A thought-provoking piece that serves as a strong reminder that gas isn't the only issue here; liquids are a big part of the equation, too.

Interesting point #1:

"I question the long-term sustainability of the gas supply," [chemicals task force industry representative Val Mirosh] says. "There´s no question the [gas] resource is massive, but pockets of shale gas are sporadic. On the other hand, we don´t have to worry about the long-term supplies of natural gas [and off-gases] in Alberta."

So pockets of shale gas are seen as "sporadic", huh?

Interesting point #2:

Gas from the Mackenzie area of Canada´s North would add another 15,000-20,000 barrels a day of ethane after the first leg is built, and much more in the future.

Both projects are planned for several years from now, but Mirosh says an industrial strategy focused on the petrochemicals sector must look at long-term supplies as well.

So, there are long-term interests in Arctic gas aside from the Oil Sands and the consumer gas market.

Hmmmm...