ICEE ICIT 2013 Conference 350

Unconventional Energy Resources:

New Challenges in Research and Education
Stanislaw Nagy1, Jakub Siemek2, Rafal Wisniowski3

1
AGH University of Science & Technology, Krakow, Poland, email: stanislaw.nagy@agh.edu.pl

2
AGH University of Science & Technology, Krakow, Poland, email: siemek@agh.edu.pl

3
AGH University of Science & Technology, Krakow, Poland, email: wisniowsk@agh.edu.pl

Abstract
In the current century, natural gas from conventional and unconventional reservoirs has become the most
important fossil energy resource and also an important energy fuel in general. Special importance is
related to unconventional natural gas: due to ease of transport or transmission, use, but also because of
low carbon dioxide emissions from burning natural gas. Significant increase in gas consumption, in all
regions, will be marked in the energy sector. The exploration research issues of unconventional gas re-
servoirs have been discussed recently in many conferences and journals, but the knowledge about the
technology is still very low. The public acceptance of this technology, technical, organizational and eco-
nomic challenges related to exploration, documentation of resources, exploitation and development of
shale gas technology, are discussed in this paper. Introducing new pro-ecological procedures and tech-
nical modifications for minimization of environmental impact of technology have been presented. The full
understanding of the technology and its environmental impact is a big challenge for society and educa-
tion. This study explains some important aspects of the extraction technology, new research & education-
al issues.

Keywords: unconventional natural gas, shale gas, research, public acceptance, environmental
impact, education.

1. Introduction
The most important factor in the development of natural gas production is a breaking-through technology
of gas extraction from unconventional sources, successfully implemented in the USA in the last few
years. That gas production technology, improved over the last decade, is a reference point for the Ameri-
can economy [1-4]. The technological novelty lies in the way "unconventional" gas becomes exploitable
locally and globally with the use of advanced technology. The technological achievements can be per-
ceived from the point of view of civilization changes (local access to gas resources, limiting of CO 2 emis-
sion). Natural gas is one of the most desired energy carriers in the World, having a higher level of social
acceptance than other energy (e.g. nuclear energy). Considerable increase of gas consumption in all re-
gions will be well received in the energy sector. The development of gas-energy over the last ten years
was caused also by [5-7]: application of Combined-Cycle Gas Technologies (CCGT), reaching a high
efficiency of cycles – over 50%, lower capital and extraction cost with shorter time of building power
plants. Natural gas may be an important energy source for the transition time towards a low-carbon econ-
omy. The progress of development of shale gas industry in the USA shows also their impact on the reduc-
tion of CO2 emission in the years 2008-2012 (see fig. 1) [4].

2. Unconventional Gas
What is “unconventional gas” and “conventional gas”? Conventional gas is typically “free gas” trapped
in multiple, porous zones in various naturally occurring rock formations such as carbonates, sandstones,
and siltstones. Unconventional gas is trapped in geologic formations with very low permeability. Reser-
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voirs mainly include shale gas, coal bed methane, and tight gas. The hydrate deposits are an additional
(largest) unconventional gas resource [2, 8 ]. Hydrates are structures of water/methane clathrates – usual-
ly in the moderate and deep water - a commercial technology of extraction will probably be ready in the
next 20 years. The example of an extraction scheme for natural gas formation in porous rocks (conven-
tional & unconventional) is presented in the figure 2 [9]. These types of unconventional rocks have dif-
ferent characterization [1-3, 7-8]:
1. Tight gas - gas in reservoirs with low permeability (from <0.1 mD to < 0.001 mD) contained in pores
with limited connections between them
2. CBM - gas (methane) in coal-beds, both in the free form in the cracks, as well as in the form of ad-
sorbed
3. Shale gas in the clayey-mud rocks (shale gas). The basic substance constituting the organic layer ge-
nerating the gas and oil is kerogen. Gas remains in the bedrock, does not migrate into other layers.

Figure 1 Impact of shale gas extraction in the Figure 2 Scheme of natural gas formation in unconven-
USA on CO2 emission (emission Gt CO2 vs tional and conventional reservoirs (scheme of extraction
time) reduction in years 2005-2011) [ 4] of gas using horizontal wells in shale gas deposits) [9]

The gas from unconventional deposits is usually extracted using horizontal well technology and multiple
tracking (e.g. shale gas, tight gas). Unconventional natural gas far outweighs conventional and may con-
stitute an important energy reserve for humanity, taking into account significant carbon dioxide emissions
when burned by the coal, brown coal, oil and its derivative industries. The location of unconventional gas
resources in the world is presented in figure 3 [1]. In the last six years the daily production in the USA
increased ten times (up to 30 BCFD (from 0.8 BCMD)), which is about 40% of world gas production [4].
Estimation of Resources in Place, Technically Recoverable Resources (TRR), and Economic Recoverable
Resources (ERR) is still a challenge for geologists and reservoir engineers where theory, experiment and
practice is connected [3,10] (see fig.4). The most important geologic information, which is needed to
prepare a more general analysis for location of possible „sweet spots‟ for extraction processes are dis-
cussed in Jenkins et al. [11]. This quantity will be lowered by the introduction of new technologies [13].
At present they are hardly ever used in the fracturing operations on behalf of friendly chemistry ('green
additives'), known from chemicals used in the food industry [3, 13]. The important factor stimulating
origin of fracture formation is the presence of silica or carbonates in the clayey rocks.

3. New methodology of research in shale gas exploration-

academia/industry/society feedback
The technological capabilities of shale gas production have been and still are the subject of intensive
research in the USA and in Europe. Future shale gas production in European nations will have significant
strategic, economic and (geo) political implications. Extraction of unconventional gas is an intensive
industrial process, imposing a larger environmental footprint than conventional gas development. The
wells need techniques like horizontal drilling and “slickwater” hydraulic fracturing to enhance the flow
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of gas from the well. Horizontal wells - in shale gas reservoirs - generally run in a perpendicular direction
to the direction of maximum horizontal stresses. This creates a greater likelihood of cracks.

Fracturing additionally generates cracks allocated along the borehole, increasing surface contact with the
shale and thus intensifying the flow of gas. The fracturing process consists of pumping under high pres-
sure a narrow stream of low-viscosity water-based liquid (slickwater-type) [12-15]. “Slickwater” covers
water with drag reducing agents - substances for the increase of pumping above 9 m3/min. The pumping
rate of such a solution may even be 15m3/min. The 'slickwater' technology usually makes use of a greater
quantity of water than the mixture, i.e. from 4 000 m3 to 20,000 m3 for fracturing in one well [12, 13].
Unfortunately knowledge about physics of the extraction process is still in its infancy.

Figure 3 Location of most important shale gas re- Figure 4 Key drivers for unconventional gas
sources in the World [2] extraction [3]

The transport physics in shale reservoirs account for several non-Darcy flow types. In order to understand
the limitations of classical flow physics it is necessary to include characteristics of three additional trans-
port types [16]. Desorption in the matrix bulk: surface phenomena governed by Van der Waal‟s forces
(modelled by the Langmuir isotherm); classical diffusion in the bulk and within the matrix pore space
(Fick‟s Law); Knudsen diffusion in nano pore space: beyond a threshold pressure. The Knudsen Diffu-
sion, when present, tends to increase the apparent permeability of the system at the time. Existing simula-
tions do not cover this transport process, and are thereby rather conservative on that aspect and should be
improved in the coming years.

The conventional research methodologyy applied to classic gas engineering has to be modified. The new
complex methodology related to research & education in sustainable shale gas extraction operation con-
sists of several key elements:
1. research on geology, geophysics, petrophysics, desorption, diffusion, flow mechanisms description;
2. new technologies in completion and fracturing;
3. new ecological procedures required by local, state and standard (best technique);
4. new challenges in logistics operations during gas extraction;
5. challenges in multidiscipline education of experts in development technology (geologists, geophysics,
drillers and drilling engineers, gas, reservoir engineers, hydrogeologists, chemical engineers); All of
those experts should be informed about basic processes relevant to the extraction technology.

A work flow related to shale gas exploration process is built using four principal steps:
1. Exploration (geology basin analysis, seismic interpretation, exploratory drilling, risk estimation)
2. Evaluation (pilot well drilling, stimulation, pilot gas production, economic evaluation)
3. Delineation (estimation of range of sweet spots, infrastructure planning, reserves evaluation)
4. Development (commercial drillings and stimulation, commercial production)
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A new systematic research methodology of exploration and development of shale gas reservoirs (see
workflow above) is based upon existing accessible geologic material consisting of the following steps:
1. Data gathering (specific data on the horizons, 2D, 3D seismic data acquisition, well logs, etc.)
2. Data analysis (analysis on multi-variate level to identify the possible correlation between parameters)
3. Uncertainty identification & Mapping
4. Reservoir modeling (analytical models, SRV simulation)
5. Reservoir management plan (reservoir management plan with mitigation options)

This above methodology of research (linked with methodology of research/education) has been applied in
Poland during the exploration phase. The second phase of exploration in Poland is still ongoing. Still
more information related to the specific properties of shale rocks and understanding of flow physics is
necessary to implement present technology in different geologic conditions. The application of this new
methodology will be observed and modified if necessary.

4. Novel elements in technology

Evaluation of sustainability of shale gas exploration and production on a transparent and scientific basis is
still missing in Europe. The following important elements have to be considered by analysis of the de-
velopment of extraction of gas in the next years: increasing supply, reducing the cost of production, in-
creasing E&P efficiency and lower environmental impact. The IEA estimates that the global energy mix
will change from 21% to 25% by 2035 (50% increase in demand), overtaking coal. Estimates of Polish
resources vary from 1 Tcm to 3.9 Tcm [1]. The other exploratory work in Europe is initiated in the UK,
Ukraine, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Lithuania, Hungary and Romania. Various statements on costs for
shale gas production – some say exploration costs up to three times higher than in the US, others say costs
are 1.5 or 2 times higher than conventional exploration. Development costs of greenfield production of
shale gas are in range from USD 2-9/MMBTU (70-320 $ per 1000cm). In the US production costs cur-
rently range from USD 4-6/MMBTU (140-210 $ per 1000cm) (as a rule of thumb production costs of
USD 4/MMBTU ((140 $ per 1000cm) are said to be economically reasonable). In assessing the cost ef-
fectiveness of extraction projects the ratio of economically viable recoverable resources (ERR) to the
technically recoverable resource reserves (TRR) is taken into account. In the US it is about 60% and de-
pends on the cost of field development, drilling costs and gas prices [10]. In relation to the primary (ini-
tial) resources in the bed TRR ≈ 75% and ERR ≈ 30-40%. Recent reports regarding technological change
point to the development of clean, high-efficiency natural gas extraction technology opportunities for the
exploitation of deposits of over 55 % recovery [13]. Fracturing consumes large quantities of water, up to
20 000 m3 per well. This involves considerable environmental problems. It seems that one of the biggest
environmental challenges is the treatment of water used for hydraulic fracturing. The modifica-
tion/development of this technology has to be addressed to the different geology of shale deposits. The
following fields of operation may be important for the next ten years (modified from reference [8]):
1. New technology of stimulation of wells (shale gas/tight gas/CBM) (e.g. with energized fluids)
2. Fluid Systems (N2 Foam, initial slickwater, XL/Lin gel treatments, hybrid & reverse hybrid)
3. New post-fracking fluid recycles /new waste utilization (reduction of hazards/emissions)
4. New materials for stimulation/New drilling fluids/new completion fluids (shale gas/tight gas/CBM)
(increasing of process efficiency)
5. New propant type, impact of delivery and intra-zonal distribution, new fluid additives (KCL, new
surfactants, new friction reducers, new biocide, large target interval impact, impact of rock quality)
6. New environmental monitoring process tools. New tools for extraction process design (shale gas/tight
gas/CBM)
7. Process Improvement in drilling and completion (elimination of OHPS, elimination of CBL, limited
bit & scraper, new applications of coiled tubing technique, new pads)
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5. Selected remarks about complexity problems in shale gas

exploration, social acceptance problems & general education
about shale gas production process
The scale of development of unconventional gas extraction can have important implications for local
communities, land use and water resources. Serious hazards, including the potential for air pollution and
for contamination of surface and groundwater, must be successfully addressed. The recent initiation of
exploration for shale gas in European countries raises questions about regulations (national and EU-wide)
that should be addressed before commercial production starts. Also, public concerns about the environ-
mental impact of shale gas drilling, as expressed by environmentalists and local communities, need to be
addressed. Greenhouse-gas emissions must be minimized both at the point of production and throughout
the entire natural gas supply chain. Improperly addressed, these concerns threaten to curb, if not halt, the
development of unconventional resources. The change of technology of unconventional gas extraction
during the last decade opens discussion about world dissemination of extraction technology. The public
opinion usually has limited information, probably influenced by the “GASLAND” film. The topics relat-
ing to shale gas are still contentious in the EU. A more scientific discussion is only at the Universi-
ty/Research Organization level.

Several negative environmental impacts related to shale gas exploration process are presented in many
Internet publications – this information is usually distorted (or false): Mordant substances necessary for
the "liquefying" of some parts of the shale in order to extract a gas are released in the air; Pathogenic,
mutagenic and carcinogenic substances, dangerous for human health, are released, the greatest part of
which cannot degrade or neutralize naturally; Breaking the shale gas provokes natural disasters like
earthquakes; Explosive and flammable effluents are released during the effervescence as well as during
the refinement on spot; High levels of radiation are determined (2 000 times above the norm) around the
places where the shale gas has been extracted; Air, soils and water are polluted; Several academic institu-
tions still investigate possible environmental impact of shale gas technology, but there is no a single evi-
dence of violation of the right to live in healthy and favorable environment caused by the shale gas tech-
nology. Many aspects of possible environmental degradation have been thoroughly investigated by vari-
ous researchers and universities (e.g. MIT [2], state agencies (e.g. EPA) and European NGOs). In addi-
tion, a special environmental report prepared by a scientific consortium led by PGI NRI (Poland) [18] has
not found out any of the negative effects on the environment which are mentioned in the petition. Similar-
ly the research currently led by the PGI-NRI consortium together with the AGH University and the
Gdansk Technical University does not confirm important environmental damages. The main aim of the
works of the consortium led by the PGI-NRI was to assess environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing
carried out in August 2011 on the Lebien LE-2H exploratory well operated by the Lane Energy Poland
company. The studies comprised seismic monitoring, measurements of gaseous emissions and noise and
analyses of soil gas, hydraulic fracturing fluid and surface and ground water.

Nowadays the environmental hazards were much lower than 5 to 10 years ago [13-14]. The basic docu-
mented cases encountered during drilling and gas production from conventional & unconventional
sources in the USA were listed by the MIT [2]. Among 43 cases, statistically analyzed in 2006-2010,
about 50% were contaminations of groundwater (gas migration to water, see also information about the
methane occurrence in shallow aquifers in the USA [6, 7], being a result of drilling operations). As men-
tioned above, such events may take place as a consequence of insufficiently protected drilling columns
cutting off groundwater fluxes and natural gas migration to these wells. Another environmental hazard
more frequent than the others was connected with leakages and contamination of oil products on the sur-
face in the drilling site/rig. The second major types of incidents are on-site surface spills (according to the
MIT [2] report). No cases of direct invasion of shallow water zones by fracture fluids during the fractur-
ing process have been recorded. These incidents exhibit that there have been real issues with the integrity
of natural gas drilling operations. The number of incidents should be placed in the context of the several
thousands of natural gas wells drilled over the period under review. The discussed cases should be com-
pared and analyzed with the immense number of gas wells drilled in the US. – tens of thousands each
year. As a result, we conclude that the impact of these types of environmental incidents is generally mod-
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erate. Obviously attention should always be paid to all environmental impacts as they may indirectly,
have some effect on human health.

6. New post graduate study “Unconventional Natural Gas Ex-

traction” (AGH) – educational challenge - link between re-
search and classic education with real feedback
In addition to unconventional gas research at the AGH University of Science & Technology in Cracow it
was necessary to start an education programme in issues related to this topic. One element of the educa-
tion is a postgraduate course in unconventional natural gas started in 2012. The research and development
of new technology in this engineering area requires strong cooperation also in the education of engineers
(see Fig. 5). The progress in this technology is quick, so many of the classic educational programs have to
be modified in a short time. More than 15 years after the Magna Charta Universitatum was signed in
Bologna (1998), which was fundamental for creating new educating structures in Europe and the EAHE
(European Area of Higher Education). The benefits of the two or three-step studies are the following:
shorter period of the first cycle, possibility to choose the type of studies in a more flexible way, adjusting
for interest and life purposes of the student, possibility of changing universities during the period of stud-
ying and collecting confirmations of achieving knowledge (ECTS). This system prefers a more practical
side of the engineering studies, after the first cycle one can achieve the first diploma allowing to work as
an engineer. The benefits of this system also include promoting and achieving double diplomas which are
signed by both universities and are assisted by educational programs like Socrates/Erasmus. The main
criteria for education of engineers in these new energy extraction topics are:
obtainment thorough and complete education on a scale of fundamental sciences with likewise tech-
nologies;
necessity to support continuing and supplementary education in interdisciplinary areas;
preparation of petroleum engineers to meet a new emergent discipline – energy engineering.

The new Program assumes to create a system of vocational training with a possible system of post-
graduate studies in the mixed system (conventional & distance learning) system. The study includes 270
hours classroom and 60 ECTS in 15 courses plus a final project “Integrated project - management of
exploration and management of gas reservoirs”. The syllabus of this postgraduate study (“Unconventional
Natural Gas Production”) is presented below:
1. GEOLOGY of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs (4 ETCS)
Petroleum system - the general characteristics of its components, scheme of hydrocarbon reservoir
formation. Hydrocarbons genesis – scheme of natural hydrocarbon formation in petroleum sedimen-
tation basin; main stages of the generation - the role of temperature and pressure. Bedrocks - types
and efficiency characteristics (TOC, kerogen, Ro, generation potential). Primary and secondary mi-
gration of hydrocarbon processes and its mechanisms. Unconventional reservoir rocks - geological
characteristic and conditions of the hydrocarbon production. Sealing rocks. Formation of reservoir
traps for hydrocarbons and their classification. Hydrocarbon reservoirs, classification of crude oil
and natural gas.

2. PETROLEUM GEOCHEMISTRY for UNCONVENTIONAL RESERVOIRS (2 ETCS)

Organic and petroleum geochemistry. Oil and natural gas - composition, definitions, geochemical-
genetic classification criteria. Bitumen and kerogen; Bedrock faces; Oil shale Geochemistry. Natural
gas and oil genesis in the light of research results of molecular and isotopic composition. Reaction
kinetics of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. Pyrolytic method's application to evaluate the hy-
drocarbon potential of the bedrocks and to determine the kinetic parameters of the reaction to gener-
ate hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon potential of mine coal and its relationship to the natural gas and oil.
Petroleum system: from the bedrock to trap, the genetic classification of petroleum systems.

3. GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH OF UNCONVENTIONAL RESERVOIRS (3 ETCS)

Seismic (framework, 3D seismic, interpretation), seismic research 2D/3D: seismic vibrators 2D/3D,
seismic dynamite 2D/3D, control data processing, interpretation of measurements of low velocity
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zone by shallow refraction and microprofile in the hole, a complex geodetic analysis. Geophysics
drilling instruments and measurement equipment. Hole measuring-interpreting apparatus type:
DDL-CH/PL. Measurement methods. Interpretation Methodology of geophysical measurements.
Research on the technical condition of production well. Determination of mechanical properties of
rocks: lithology and composition of reservoir rocks.

4. PHYSICS AND RESERVOIR ENGINEERING (6 ETCS)

The main petrophysical parameters of reservoirs. A mathematical model of fluid filtration in porous
and fractured porous media. The equation for the flow of low compressible fluid and compressible
fluid into the borehole. The gas flow in the shale rock through nanopore network connected with
micropores (fractures). Gas desorption and diffusion phenomena in kerogen to the contact surface
with nano porous. Flow in micropores and pores. Flow in nanopore, diffusion on the nanopores
walls and molecular flow.

5. PVT PROPERTIES OF RESERVOIR FLUIDS (3 ETCS)

Fundamentals of thermodynamics. Properties of real gases - equations of state: RK, VdW, PR, no-
mograms h-s, specific heat, viscosity, law of corresponding states. Fluid properties - density, vis-
cosity, compressibility. Compression of natural gas. Joule-Thomson effect. Two-phase systems, va-
por liquid equilibrium (VLE) of gas condensate and light oil multicomponent system. Recombina-
tion of reservoir fluid composition. Thermodynamic tests. Confined nanopores critical properties.
Nanopore effects and capillary force effect in VLE.

6. ROCK MECHANICS AND FUNDAMENTALS OF FRACTURING (5 ETCS)

Introduction to continuous media mechanics (the relationship between the distributions of displace-
ments, strains and stresses). The distribution of stresses around the excavation of circular cross sec-
tion with uniform and non-uniform initial stress state. Rock mechanical properties including tensile
strength and triaxial compressive stress state of the original rock (geostatic areas and tectonically
disrupted). Fracture classification, hydraulic fracturing methods. Technological parameters deter-
mination of treatment process (fracturing pressure, fluid volume flow, fracturing time). Project of
multistage fracturing

7. NEW DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES IN UNCONVENTIONAL RESERVOIRS (6 ETCS)

Directional and horizontal drilling. Directional wells profiles and notions characterizing the trajecto-
ry of the hole axis. Principles of designing trajectory axis of directional wells. Tools and deflection
kits. The drilling cable used for directional drilling. Drilling technology using reel wire. Characteris-
tics and operation of plunge engines. Telemetry measurement systems during drilling. New design
of drilling rigs, drilling equipment and accessories. Cementing casing design. Selection of drilling
equipment. Selection of drilling tools. Drill string design. Design of mechanical and hydraulic para-
meters of drilling technology. Perforation and fracturing in boreholes. Drilling costs.

8. MONITORING OPERATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (4 ETCS)

The main sources of environmental threat in the exploration and exploitation of unconventional re-
sources. Qualitative and quantitative effects of geophysical operations, drilling, completion and ex-
ploitation to environmental elements. Materials and fluids toxicity. Drilling waste management
(forming during shale fracturing). Waste utilization methods. Air protection, dust and toxic gases
emission into the atmosphere. Noise and vibration protection. Soil and water protection.

9. EXTRACTION GAS TECHNOLOGY & FORECASTING OF GAS PRODUCTION (4 ETCS)

Geological identification of potentially productive shales. Engineering characterization of shale re-
servoirs- screening criteria. Completion of shale wells. Development and performance forecasting.
Decline curves. Compositional modelling of gas extraction. Single well vs. multiple well. Single
phase vs. multiphase modelling Evaluation of reserves, economics, and development planning.
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10. ECONOMICS OF DRILLING AND EXPLOITATION PROCESS (4 ETCS)

Rules for drawing up contracts for drilling. Economic limitations in well constructions and bore-
holes systems designing. Fundamentals of drilling cost optimization for projects drilled from a sin-
gle drilling site. Cost analysis of plunge equipment & gas separation and transport preparation. Op-
erating cost analysis.

11. GEOLOGICAL AND MINING LAW AND ENERGY LAW (2 ETCS)

Energy law. Scope of G&M law. Property and mining operational use. Management of hydrocarbon
reservoir. Concessions and their types. The movement of the mine. Neighborhood relations and re-
sponsibility for damages. Geological Survey and Mining supervision authorities.

12. PILOT PROJECTS EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT AND DECISION MAKING AS ELEMENTS

OF OPERATIONAL PLANNING (2 ETCS)
Cost estimating methods for license management. Economic analysis of gas production from the pi-
lot projects. Evaluation of the possibility of reducing the capital cost (drilling, servicing, surface in-
stallation) and operational costs. Sensitivity analysis of NPV, EMV to changes in the medium and
long term forecast of gas sales. Risks related to the unconventional gas project economics.

13. LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS OF PETROPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ROCKS (2

ETCS)
Petrophysical properties: porosity, permeability, grain density, and saturations (water saturation, gas
saturation, gas filled porosity and clay-bound water). Static (triaxial) and dynamic values for
Young's modulus. Compressive strength, fluid leak-off, and propant embedment evaluation.

14. INVESTMENT , SURFACE MANAGEMENT & LOGISTICS (2 ETCS)

Development and leading commune land management. Management plans. Linear infrastructure.
Water supply. Road infrastructure. Preparation of investment. Logistics of materials supply and use
of local road transport. Minimizing the impact of local transport to the environment. Minimization
of other environmental risks. Arrangements in the investment process.

15. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN SHALE GAS EXTRACTION PROCESSES (2

ETCS)

Data management. Upstream exploration. Field geology. Petroleum land management. Seismic
surveys. Surface geologic studies. Spatial well and seismic data integration

16. INTEGRATED PROJECT - MANAGEMENT IN EXPLORATION & GAS RESERVOIR PRO-

DUCTION (10 ETCS)

Integrated project of gas production from unconventional resources. Variant risk management
projects, in exploration and extraction of natural gas from unconventional reservoirs.

The presented project of new postgraduate education – started in 2012 will be extended in next year for
exchange education program oriented for the European area. The success of education has to be corre-
lated with the research achievements in this region in the next decade.

7. Conclusions
1. Challenges for technological development in Europe are the following: high cost of gas extraction;
new infrastructure needed for gas transport and distribution;
2. The presented methodology of research (linked with methodology of research/education) has been
applied in Poland during the exploration phase. The second phase of exploration in Poland is still on-
going. Still more information related to the specific properties of shale rocks and understanding of
flow physics is necessary to implement the present technology in different geologic conditions. The
application of this new methodology will be observed and modified if necessary.
 ICEE ICIT 2013 Conference 358

3. Restrictive environmental regulations, large number of protected areas and objects, negative opinions
of local administration, bad logistics of supplies, hindered access to water resources - may considera-
bly lower the rate of industrial development of unconventional gas extraction technology in Europe;
4. Education in unconventional gas extraction technology at basic, intermediate and university level is
one of the most important elements of a new low-carbon and gas-friendly economy.

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Well - scientific report, Warszawa 2011

This paper has been performed within a statutory research program realized at the AGH University of Science and
Technology, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas (11.11.190.01/2013).
 ICEE ICIT 2013 Conference 359

Authors
Principal Author: Stanisław Nagy, holds MSc, PhD, D.Sc. degree in Mining from AGH UST (1984,
1988, 2004) At present he is Professor and Head of Gas Engineering Department of Drilling, Oil and Gas
Faculty at AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow.

Co-author: Jakub Siemek holds MSc, PhD, D.Sc. degree in Mining from AGH UST (1958, 1968, 1973)
and MSc in Physics from Poznan University (1963). At present he is a Professor of Gas Engineering
Department of Drilling, Oil and Gas Faculty at AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow.
Professor Jakub Siemek holds many awards (e.g. six DHC from Foreign and Polish Universities); he is
a member of Polish Academy of Science and Polish Academy of Arts.; he is also author of more than 400
scientific papers.

Co-author: Rafal Wisniowski holds MSc, PhD, D.Sc. degree in Mining from AGH UST (1988, 1992,
2003) At present he is a Professor and Head of Drilling & Geoengineering Department of Drilling, Oil
and Gas Faculty at AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow.

Presenter: This paper is presented by Stanisław Nagy

ICEE/ICIT-2013
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Joint International Conference on Engineering Education and
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8 -12 DECEMBER
CAPE TOWN
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9 – 11 December 2013

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ISBN 978-0-9922041-3-6