Regional analysis of the Ardley Coal Zone, Alberta, Canada for coalbed methane production and CO{sub 2} sequestration

The Ardley Coal Zone contains thick coal seams that are reservoirs for methane gas. A feasibility study of the potential for utilizing these coal seams for carbon dioxide disposal and for enhancing methane production is described. The study area is bounded on the west by the Rocky Mountain foothills and covers an area of 300 km by 300 km. Borehole data from 1362 wells (544 oil and 818 coal exploration wells) were used. The stratigraphy, thickness, geometry, maturity, potential methane gas distribution, potential carbon dioxide storage capacity, drilling costs, and location of point sources of carbon dioxide are examined. Two areas of high potential are identified. 5 refs., 51 figs., 6 tabs.