Capturing greenhouse gas pays big for Devon Energy in Casper, Wyoming

Vented into the atmosphere, methane is a potent greenhouse gas 21 times stronger than CO2. But captured in the pipe, methane is worth a lot of money.

Devon Energy http://www.devonenergy.com/ recently spent $15,000 to capture methane from a new natural gas well in the Wamsutter area as part of a pilot program. It then sold that methane for $35,000, making a quick net gain of $20,000.

"We’re trying to promote this in the industry not just as a way to reduce emissions, but to put (methane) in the pipeline so we can sell it and make money. It’s a win-win for everybody," said Ronald D. Truelove, environmental health and safety manager for Devon Energy’s Western Division.

Devon hosted a technology exchange workshop in Casper on Tuesday, showcasing its work with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Natural Gas STAR program. The volunteer program encourages companies to reduce methane emissions throughout the nation’s natural gas production, processing, transportation and distribution system.

By DUSTIN BLEIZEFFER
Star-Tribune energy reporter

Full Story: http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2005/08/31/news/casper/8693d34c588c76858725706d00838235.txt