Lining

As fast as producers are developing new supplies in the Marcellus Shale, pipeline operators are lining up new pipes to criss-cross the Appalachians. Recently Inergy Midstream LLC reported on successful open seasons for two pipeline projects in the area, National Fuel Gas Supply Corp. announced an open season for new pipe capacity in central Pennsylvania, and NiSource Inc. said it is looking for partners for the largest plan so far, a $1.7 billion investment in two new Marcellus lines.

Producers lining up to launch unconventional natural gas developments propelled drilling rights sales in British Columbia to a record C$2.66 billion (US$2.23 billion) for 2008. The new annual high scored by monthly auctions of provincial mineral rights is more than double British Columbia’s previous peak of C$1.05 billion (US$874 million) set in 2007 and a six-fold jump from the previous 10-year average of C$434 million (US$364 million).

Producers lining up to launch unconventional natural gas developments propelled drilling rights sales in British Columbia to a record C$2.66 billion (US$2.23 billion) for 2008. The new annual high scored by monthly auctions of provincial mineral rights is more than double British Columbia’s previous peak of C$1.05 billion (US$874 million) set in 2007 and a six-fold jump from the previous 10-year average of C$434 million (US$364 million).

Whether its another expansion of a major interstate pipeline or lining up more contracts for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal in the Gulf of Mexico in the current subdued global market, there are always “uncertainties,” said Sempra Energy CEO Donald Felsinger, but he likes Sempra’s position in the North American gas markets. That was the essence of Felsinger’s remarks during a second quarter earning conference call with financial analysts Thursday.

There is lots of room to grow for the long-term, pre-paid natural gas supply deals that municipal utilities are lining up with increasing frequency, although the current credit crunch could slow the growth for the rest of 2007, a panel of financial and gas industry speakers told participants last Wednesday at the LDC Forum Rockies & West conference in Los Angeles.

There is lots of room to grow for the long-term, pre-paid natural gas supply deals that municipal utilities are lining up with increasing frequency, although the current credit crunch could slow the growth for the rest of 2007, a panel of financial and gas industry speakers told participants Wednesday at the LDC Forum — Rockies & West conference in Los Angeles.

There may be a silver lining in this year’s plunge in gas prices: it may prevent rioting by the rate-paying villagers. Apparently, consumers have had just about enough of rising bills. Downward adjustments to rates couldn’t be coming at a better time.

Producers and field contractors are lining up to confirm that the Canadian natural gas industry is sprouting a new growth arm in coalbed methane (CBM). Ensign Group, the second-biggest Canadian drilling contractor after Precision Drilling, underscored the rising expectations by ordering 10 new rigs especially suited for rapidly harvesting shallow coal seams.

Producers and field contractors are lining up to confirm that the Canadian natural gas industry is sprouting a new growth arm in coalbed methane (CBM). Ensign Group, the second-biggest Canadian drilling contractor after Precision Drilling, underscored the rising expectations by ordering 10 new rigs especially suited for rapidly harvesting shallow coal seams.