Onshore Exploration To Be Featured Topic

Most Nova Scotians have heard about the energy-related exploration and production activity taking place offshore. Not as many people are aware that there is also a resurgence of exploration activity taking place onshore.

Since the first exploration well was drilled over a century ago in Cape Breton, 115 exploration wells have been drilled onshore for oil, natural gas, and coalbed methane, which can be used much like natural gas.

Nova Scotia's onshore oil and gas potential will be featured this week as geoscientists from across North America gather in Halifax to attend a joint meeting of the Geological Society of America (Northeastern Section) and the Atlantic Geoscience Society.

Paul Harvey, a senior petroleum geophysicist with the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, will be one of the many presenters.

"Industry has demonstrated its interest in Nova Scotia's onshore," he says. "Acquisition of exploration rights in the last three years has resulted in an unprecedented level of seismic and drilling activity."

Since 1999, eight onshore wells have been drilled, including one for coalbed methane, and about 900 kilometres of modern seismic data have been acquired. The Department of Energy is forecasting that up to four seismic programs and four more onshore wells will be drilled this year.

There are 13 conventional exploration agreements and one coalbed methane agreement onshore Nova Scotia. These agreements account for 1.6 million hectares of land, with work commitments in excess of $10 million over the next two to three years.

"The government has a role in providing a clear and transparent regulatory path for our onshore explorers," says Energy Minister Ernest Fage. "The Energy Strategy and the upcoming new Energy Act reflect our commitment to encourage activity while guaranteeing prudent resource management and environmentally sound practices."

The March 27-29 joint meeting will include presentations, workshops, short courses, field trips, and exhibits on a wide range of geoscientific topics. The meetings are designed to advance the understanding of the geosciences, to enhance the professional growth of geoscientists and to promote geoscience in the service of society.

Mr. Harvey will be presenting his topic, New Cycle of Petroleum Exploration Onshore Nova Scotia, on Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m. at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel. He will discuss recent developments in the search for petroleum resources including examples of play concepts, the role of government, and the onshore regulatory framework.