Browsing by Author "Ospina, Antonio"
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Item Embargo In Situ Coal Gasification As An Alternative For Natural Gas In The Bitumen Extraction And Upgrading Processes In Alberta(2013) Ospina, AntonioAlberta has significant coal resources, which represent a major potential for syngas and hydrogen production using underground coal gasification (UCG). Natural gas production in the province is decreasing while demand continues to rise, driven by high demand of this product in the oil sands. This project analyzes the convenience of using syngas from UCG as a substitute for natural gas in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage and hydrogen production in the hydrocracking process during bitumen upgrading. A major finding of this research project is that ground water risks, fresh water usage and greenhouse gases from the UCG process can be reduced when coal is gasified in deep formations. Syngas as fuel is not economically feasibility under current natural gas price but hydrogen production could be a good alternative for steam-methane reforming under current natural gas price. Strategy analysis shows that oil and gas companies have a strong competitive advantage to develop UCG projects over conventional coal companies.