Methane Emission Measuring on Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells

Prioritizing and Measuring Methane Emissions in Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells Thomas M. Parris, P.I. Abstract: Methane is the main component of natural gas, a critical domestic and global energy source. Released to the atmosphere, however, methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 84-times greater than carbon dioxide over 20 years. Work in this proposal describes a two-year project in which the Kentucky Geological Survey and subcontractors will measure methane emissions from orphaned oil and gas wells in Kentucky. The measured wells represent a subpopulation of wells the Kentucky Division of Oil and Gas is targeting for plugging as part of the Initial Grant Program in the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Prioritizing and selecting wells for methane measurements will be based on plugging submissions by KDOG, analysis of engineering and geologic criteria by KGS, and geospatial analysis with investigator S. Woods, who will be a subcontractor. KGS and subcontractor, Well Done Foundation, will be responsible for quantitative methane measurements on 80 to 100 orphaned wells in the performance period. KGS will also work with KDOG and Well Done Foundation on screening and post-plugging measurements. Results from the methane measurements will be inputs for inferential statistical modeling to determine the number of wells that need to be measured to estimate emissions for the broader population of wells (n~ 1,000) KDOG is proposing to plug in the Initial Grant Program. KGS will assist KDOG in reporting measurement results to the Department of Interior, who is administering the Initial Grant Program.