Economic evaluations of four GRI (Gas Research Institute) unconventional-gas project areas. Annual report, September 1982-June 1983

Analysis shows that the value of economic benefit (measured at a five percent discount rate) specifically attributable to each of GRI's four unconventional gas research areas is computed as: western tight gas sands, 18 billion dollars; eastern Devonian gas shales, 5 billion dollars; methane from coal deposits, 8.6 billion dollars; and geopressured aquifers, zero (not likely to penetrate the market). The economic benefits calculation reflects the cost of fuel displaced relative to the cost of the gas provided. The magnitudes of economic benefits for these project areas far exceed the annual research budget for unconventional gas at GRI.