Developments in western Canada in 1978

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5498480

Hay, P W

In 1978, an all-time drilling record was set in western Canada, with 6893 wells being drilled, an increase of 16% from 1977. A total of 3065 exploratory wells was drilled, up 12% from the 2740 wells in 1977. Development wells also reached record numbers, with 3845 wells, an increase of 20% from 1977. The success rate for exploratory wells was 55% based on 581 oil discoveries and 1111 gas discoveries. The development rate was markedly higher, at 89%, from 1214 oil discoveries and 2208 gas discoveries. In Alberta, activity in the 2 major 1977 discovery areas of Elmworth and West Pembina was high. The Elmworth deep basin with tight Lower Cretaceous sandstones contains an estimated potential of up to 440 Tcf, of which a major part is recoverable only at higher gas prices. The West Pembina D-2 pinnacle-reef oil and gas discoveries generated major drilling activity, and land prices in the area reached a maximum of over $26,000/lease acre. In British Columbia, the West Eagle 1977 oil discovery has been actively pursued, with 26 additional discovery wells to March 1978. In the Arctic Islands and Northwest Territories, drilling activity decreased for the fifth successive year, with 18 wells drilled. A deeper oil discovery at Norman Wells, 2 Beaufort Sea suspended gas discoveries, and an under-ice development well on Melville Island were the highlights. 2 figures, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: Union Oil Co. of Canada Ltd., Calgary, Alberta
• OSTI ID: 5498480
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 63:8; ISSN AAPGB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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03 NATURAL GAS
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BEAUFORT SEA
CANADA
CRETACEOUS PERIOD
DRILLING
ENERGY SOURCES
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EXPLORATORY WELLS
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SANDSTONES
SEAS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SURFACE WATERS
WELL DRILLING
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