The University of Alaska-Fairbanks is Studying Ways to Improve Production, Use of State's Oil and Natural Gas Resources

• Arctic Energy Technology Development Laboratory - This project will establish a laboratory at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks to conduct technology R&D to provide near- and mid-term solutions to energy exploration, production, transport and associated environmental challenges unique to the region; and meet the needs of Alasks's consumers and energy industries, including its utility industries in remote locations.  The total project cost is $27.7 million (DOE share: $22.2 million)

• Oxygen Transport Ceramic Membrane - The purpose of this project is to develop an innovative "electroceramic membrane" that separates oxygen from the air and uses it to convert natural gas to chemical "building blocks" that can be used to synthesize clean liquid fuels. Successful development of this membrane technology could lead to ways for converting remote natural gas reserves on the North Slope into clean-burning motor fuels. In turn, gas-to-liquids (GTL) processes could extend the lifetime of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). Preliminary analyses suggest that a 30 to 50 percent cost savings in the production of synthesis gas can be achieved. The total project cost is $6.35 million (DOE share: $5.05 million).

BP to Study Natural Gas Hydrates

• Characterization and Quantification of Natural Gas Hydrates - BP Exploration, Inc., Anchorage, AK, will characterize, quantify and determine the commercial viability of in-situ, recoverable gas hydrates and associated free gas resources in three areas of the Alaska North Slope: Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk River and Milne Point. The project will provide practical input to reservoir and economic models, determine the feasibility of gas hydrate production, and provide leverage for exploration and field extension in the three ANS areas being studied. The University of Alaska in Fairbanks, the University of Arizona in Tucson and the U.S. Geological Survey will assist BP. Total cost of the project is $26.3 million, with DOE contributing $20.2 million.