A consortium of Japanese energy companies joined British Columbia's INPEX in Canada andÌýChina's Nexen Energy toÌýbegin a joint study forÌýshale gas development in Canada's British Columbia region, the presidents of the Japanese companies announced Wednesday.
The two Japanese companies,ÌýJapan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) andÌýoil companyÌýINPEX in conjunction withÌýINPEX Gas British Columbia (IGBC) -Ìýa subsidiary of INPEX, and Nexen Energy which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ChinaÌýNational Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announcedÌýthat they are undertakingÌýa joint study in developingÌýshale gas in the Horn River, Liard and Cordova areas in the province of British Columbia.
In March 2015, the four companies agreedÌýto evaluate geological characteristics of the areas, by analyzing properties of rock samples extracted from shale reservoirs marked for development, according to the statement.
This process which began in July has been completedÌýin preparation for the approximate year-long joint study. During this period,Ìýfurther analysis and evaluation of geological characteristics of the areas will be conducted.
"Nexen and IGBC will meanwhile proceed with shale gas development and production operations in the areas whileÌýJOGMEC will provideÌýfinancial support forÌýthis project through IGBC," the statement read.
The data obtained from the shale gas development and production operations undertaken by Nexen and IGBC within the areas will help optimize and streamline the development of shale gas reservoirs in the relevant areas.Ìý
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By Huseyin Erdogan
Anadolu AgencyÌý
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