Powder River basin, Wyoming: An expanding coalbed methane (CBM) play

Coalbed methane exploration in the Powder River basin represents an active play with considerable potential for future expansion and success. Such pot ential is related to the specific geology and character of the target coals , which exist in the Paleocene Fort Union Formation at depths of 300-2000 f t (91-610 m). Although of low rank (lignite-subbituminous), these coals are volumetrically very large, consisting of thick (50-150 ft;15-45 m), latera lly extensive seams with significant amounts of late-stage biogenic methane . Wells drilled to exploit this resource in updip areas have benefited from dewatering associated with existing coal mining, as well as from existing pipeline infrastructure. In downdip areas, Fort Union coal beds are artesia n aquifers and require significant drawdown for gas production. Innovative drilling and completion practices have been instrumental in lowering costs and increasing production, thus contributing to the overall success of the existing-play Production data suggest ultimate recoverable reserves of 0.3- 0.4 bcf per well, making the play economical even at relatively low gas pri ces.