MIT researchers think they have found a way to separate oil from water after a major spill. Their newly developed membrane could process large quantities of the finely mixed materials back into pure oil and water. In addition to its possible role in cleaning up spills, the new method could also be used for routine […]
Deja vu for Keystone XL
Second time is the charm? TransCanada Corp., the company behind the Keystone XL pipeline, has to satisfy a regulatory hurdle that was already jumped four years ago. The state of South Dakota gave its stamp of approval in 2010 and while the permit is still valid, TransCanada needs to certify the conditions placed on the […]
Still optimistic about Northern Gateway
Enbridge’s Janet Holder isn’t giving up on the Northern Gateway pipeline. In fact she says she is confident construction could begin as soon as next year. Before that happens, Holder says there is still plenty of work to be done. “We’ve been at this for 12 years, in the regulatory process for four,” Holder said. […]
Keystone XL economic benefit larger than expected?
The Keystone XL pipeline‘s supporters have long been touting the economic benefits of the project and now they have more ammunition for the ongoing fight. A study conducted by the Maguire Energy Institute at Southern Methodist University, determined a close to 800 kilometre span of the pipeline has been a tremendous financial benefit for two […]
Pitch for drones in the oil and gas industry
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), more commonly known to the general public as drones, is seen as a major step forward in aerospace. The Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is suggesting the use of UAS could grow into a $140 billion dollar global market. In the oil and gas industry, the technology can be […]
Something “app”-ropriate to help protect your investment
A new Oil & Gas app developed by Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine Coatings will enable its user to easily find the protective coatings needed to extend the lifecycle of all types of equipment. Ron Knecht, with Sherwin-Williams says, “from upstream to downstream, (our company) has the solutions you need for corrosive environments, and this new […]
A change of approach in getting First Nations support
Enbridge has had its challenges garnering support from First Nations affected by the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, so other companies are learning from it. Pacific Future Energy Corp. has designs to build what it calls the world’s greenest refinery on British Columbia’s coast. The company’s Executive Chairman, Samer Salameh says “our pre-feasibility study has begun, […]
Study suggests Canadian experience with fracking unlikely to mirror those in the US
Nova Scotia, a province with budget problems, is under some pressure to forge ahead with its unconventional oil and gas resources. Before that happens a study was called for to determine the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing. Social ecologist Shawn Dalton, who headed up the study, says because using fracking only became financially viable about […]
Landmark ruling could impact pipeline projects and more
It was unanimous. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled 8-0 recognizing the right of the Tsilhqot’in to a specific tract of land in the B.C. Interior. The director of the Indigenous Legal Studies Program at the University of British Columbia law school says it’s too early to definitively say what the impact will be. Gordon […]
Encana unloads Bighorn natural gas properties
Encana has lightened it’s company properties and fattened it’s cash assets. The Calgary based company has sold off Bighorn natural gas properties. Jupiter Resources shelled out $1.8-billion for the company. CEO and president Doug Suttles says “this transaction advances our strategy by unlocking value from our portfolio as we focus on developing our core growth […]