A consortium of Japanese energy companies joined British Columbia's INPEX in Canada and China's Nexen Energy to begin a joint study for shale gas development in Canada's British Columbia region, the presidents of the Japanese companies announced Wednesday.
The two Japanese companies, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and oil company INPEX in conjunction with INPEX Gas British Columbia (IGBC) - a subsidiary of INPEX, and Nexen Energy which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced that they are undertaking a joint study in developing shale gas in the Horn River, Liard and Cordova areas in the province of British Columbia.
In March 2015, the four companies agreed to evaluate geological characteristics of the areas, by analyzing properties of rock samples extracted from shale reservoirs marked for development, according to the statement.
This process which began in July has been completed in preparation for the approximate year-long joint study. During this period, further analysis and evaluation of geological characteristics of the areas will be conducted.
'Nexen and IGBC will meanwhile proceed with shale gas development and production operations in the areas while JOGMEC will provide financial support for this project through IGBC,' the statement read.
The data obtained from the shale gas development and production operations undertaken by Nexen and IGBC within the areas will help optimize and streamline the development of shale gas reservoirs in the relevant areas.
By Huseyin Erdogan
Anadolu Agency
huseyin.erdogan@aa.com.tr