Trials

After four years of field trials, Alberta’s fledgling coalbed methane industry is launching its first foray into commercial production of the biggest untapped natural gas deposit in the province. A C$400 million (US$320 million) pioneer drilling campaign is under way into the vast Mannville coal formation by Trident Exploration Corp., Nexen Inc. and Red Willow Production Co.

In just three years, the energy merchant sector has evolved from an Internet-based, North American-focused Enron-dominated industry into something the new players say is smaller, but better, where success may turn on a telephone call instead of computer screen, and where future business trades will be global instead of regional.

A former El Paso Corp. energy trader and a ex-Dynegy Inc. trader will be tried separately early next year on charges of reporting bogus energy data to an industry publication. A Houston judge set the first trial for Jan. 12, with the second trial scheduled to immediately follow.

A former El Paso Corp. energy trader and a ex-Dynegy Inc. trader will be tried separately early next year on charges of reporting bogus energy data to an industry publication. A Houston judge set the first trial for Jan. 12, with the second trial scheduled to immediately follow.