The Western Energy Corridor

The energy resources concentrated
along the Rocky
Mountains and northern
plains in Canada and the United
States (U.S.) are world class,
as measured by their diversity,
magnitude, and longevity.

This
area, informally referred to as
the Western Energy Corridor
(WEC), is strategic to meeting
the increasing energy demand in
Canada, the U.S., and internationally.
These energy resources,
collectively, also provide a
foundation for regional economic
development, including a platform
for moving the region’s energy
products up the value chain.

To provide a foundation and
stimulus for a bi-national regional
dialogue, Idaho National Laboratory
(INL) created this document
with input from representatives of
participating states and provinces.
Further data was gathered from
reliable internet and print sources
and compiled to provide an overview
of energy resources within
the WEC.

In 2009, WEC oil production was
approximately 2.3 million barrels
per day, with continued production
growth anticipated from the
Alberta oil sands and the Bakken
Formation. Proven reserves, dominated
by Alberta oil sands, currently
place the region third in the
world with approximately 170 billion
barrels.

Undeveloped potential
oil resources within the WEC are
estimated at over 4 trillion barrels
(in-place). This includes oil shale
reserves in the Green River Formation
that spans parts of Wyoming,
Colorado, and Utah.

Full Report: http://commerce.mt.gov/content/Energy/docs/WesternEnergyCorridor.pdf

(Many thanks to Andy Poole at the Montana Department of Commerce for sharing this important information.)