Tag: oil production

Change is a constant in the universe, but many oilfield services are feeling the brunt of it

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This is the heart of the Viewfield Bakken, just two miles west of Stoughton with Highway 13 on the north edge. Count all the wells in this two-section block highlighted in yellow. Half of those wells cover the other side of the road. The remaining are within these two sections. It is now possible to essentially replace all of those wells with just one, singlular open hole multi-lateral with two mile-long laterals. And three mile-long laterals are on their way, which would add one more section. In this case, there are 23 lease pads within that block (not counting the ones on the north side of the road). Similar exposure to the reservoir can now be done with just one lease pad. Google Earth.

My stomach has been tied up in knots for months as to whether I should write this story. In Saskatchewan, most of the oilfield jobs are in the oilfield services. And I’ve had more conversations than I can count as to “why things are slow.” It’s not just oil prices, which aren’t great. There is a major technological change that is happening that is impacting much of the industry. I finally decided people need to know what is actually going on in as fulsome way as possible.

I’ve always told my kids, “Do you want me to sugar coat things or tell it to you straight?” They’ve always wanted it straight. So that’s what I’m doing here.

The ‘next big thing’ is big multi-lateral wells – but the impact is devastating to many oilfield services

LNG Canada goes online and how that impacts Saskatchewan

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First ship leaving LNG Canada. LNG Canada photo

LNG Canada ships first cargo, making Canada a global player.

I provide some analysis on how this will impact Saskatchewan in the first part of the story.

Also:

Poilievre posts “Meet Hardisty” video about and its importance to Canada

Donald Trump’s disdain for wind energy could create windfall for Nova Scotia: experts

Energy Realities Podcast: Geopolitical issues and oil. Some interesting discussion about Carney killing the digital services tax to placate Trump, forgoing this thing called “rule of law.”

First good sleep in years

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Coal Revival: “I’m going to stay,” one coal worker told IBEW

Coal Revival: “I’m going to stay,” one coal worker told IBEW. This is one union that is over the moon with the right wing government that just saved their industry and jobs.

More formal letter of support from IBEW:

Coal Revival: IBEW says coal announcement will ‘have a meaningful impact on the lives of our members and their families’

Part 5 of Upgrader series:

Regina Refinery at 90 and Devine’s Upgraders, Part 5: Were the Regina and Lloydminster upgraders worth it? The two upgraders’ massive impact on provincial revenue

Pick up your jaws…

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Coal Revival: United Mine Workers say federal mandate to phase out coal-fired electricity posed existential threats to entire communities

Here’s a union supporting a right-wing government’s move to rebuild its coal fleet. It has everything to do with the left wing wants their industry to disappear, and the SaskParty is moving to keep it going for decades to come. Interesting, that. As in the musical Hamilton – The World Turned Upside Down.

“Saskatchewan’s leadership in asserting provincial jurisdiction over its energy future deserves recognition. While the federal mandate to phase out coal-fired electricity by 2030 posed existential threats to entire communities, this new direction offers hope and continuity.”

I’ll have a more in-depth interview with the union in coming days, as well as a similar story from the other union involved, and a similar tale.

Also, in my series on the upgraders:

Regina Refinery at 90 and Devine’s Upgraders Part 3: The Lloydminster Bi-Provincial Upgrader doubled the city in size

 

Regina Refinery at 90 and Devine’s Upgraders

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BY BRIAN ZINCHUK 

In late June, Federated Co-operatives Limited will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Regina Refinery Complex. In September, 2022, Pipeline Online published a six-part series on the two Grant Devine-era heavy oil upgraders, and their lasting impact. One of those upgraders is an integral part of the Regina Refinery Complex, and thus, is a major part of the history of that refinery. To commemorate this momentous anniversary, Pipeline Online is republishing this series.

Regina Refinery at 90 and Devine’s Upgraders, Part 1: The two heavy oil upgraders built by the Grant Devine government had a tough opening act, but became anchors for Saskatchewan’s current economy

Also:

Saskatchewan premier says he can ‘get behind’ Ottawa’s energy superpower vision

Trump leaves G7 summit early amid escalations in Middle East

Well, that didn’t last long…

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So much for Canada becoming an “energy superpower.” With additional pipelines to the west coast, the idea is dead in its tracks. Eby says he won’t be changing mind on another B.C. pipeline, rebuffing Ford

But but but – everyone was so happy about their confab with the new prime minister.

Premiers heap praise on meeting with Carney, but no specific projects identified.

And from the day before the meeting:

Carney discusses “partnerships” with oil and gas executives in Calgary

So much for team Canada. On CJME Tuesday morning Premier Moe said he was “done” with trying to get a pipeline built through Quebec.

And for something completely different:

You can’t hide these smiles. Lock and load

There’s more to the oilpatch than just work. You can’t hide these smiles. Lock and load

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