Rubin’s ‘facts’ on water and fracking refuted by IEA
In a recent special to the Globe and Mail, Jeff Rubin relied on examples taken out of context and incomplete analysis to argue that the coming era of American energy independence recently forecast by the International Energy Agency (IEA) could only become a reality at the expense of our fresh water resources. This assertion is not accurate; in fact compared to other popular sources of energy the extraction of natural gas from shale is one of the most efficient uses of water.
According to a report from the Harvard Kennedy School, the average amount of water used in a shale gas well per unit of energy produced is actually lower than many other energy sources. This increase in efficiency is the result of pairing two proven technologies: hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. Combining those processes allows more natural gas to be extracted from fewer wells, while responsibly using water resources – which is good news for industry and consumers.
Shale water use also needs to be put into perspective. In Texas and Pennsylvania, two states with significant shale development, water required for mining, oil and natural gas activity combined is less than one per cent of the state’s water use. The same holds true in British Columbia where the majority of Canadian shale development occurs. As concerned citizens, it makes sense that we require the oil and gas industry to continually improve its efficiency and minimise the potential strain on water resources. One per cent of total water use, however, is hardly the “tremendous” amount cited by Mr. Rubin. It is important that we keep shale development’s impact on water resources in perspective and not be misled by information given without proper context.
Mr. Rubin does, however, raise a legitimate concern regarding site-specific development. Industry’s water requirements, although temporary, need to be balanced with other users in a given region. This can be tricky in dry areas of Northeastern British Columbia or Texas, and during years of drought. It is important to know that in British Columbia and Alberta, site-specific limits are placed on water withdrawals and permits may be subject to water availability in regions facing water shortages, thereby protecting fresh water resources.
As North America works towards increasing its energy independence, industry will continue to find ways to use water more efficiently. Made-to-fit solutions for water use are already being implemented across North America. In central Pennsylvania, water recycling has increased 13 per cent in the past two years with some companies recycling up to 100 per cent of their flow back water. In Dawson Creek, British Columbia, a partnership between Shell and the municipality provided a new water treatment facility for the city and a supply of reclaimed water, rather than fresh water, for Shell’s hydraulic fracturing operations. Depending on the type of reservoir, further options are available including the replacement of fresh water with alternative fluids like carbon dioxide and nitrogen or saline water from underground reservoirs.
Water is a precious resource that needs to be monitored and managed to ensure its availability for a variety of present and future uses, including energy production, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, municipal use and recreation. How it is used is a decision best made based on facts, not misconceptions. As we consider our energy options, responsible shale development can certainly play an important role in our energy mix, while providing an abundant and reliable energy source for North Americans.
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