Bakken Energy Report Spring 2024

BAKKEN ENERGY

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DEL Communications Inc.

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Contributing Writers

CLINT A. BOYD

H. STERLING BURNETT

ANDREW DITTMAR

HOLLY HOPKINS

LISA KOPOCHINSKI

KACIE KOSTELECKY

ANNA NELSON

ALEX

© Copyright

While

Supporting domestic natural gas production to benefit the U.S. and our allies

By Senator John Hoeven

North Dakota is a global energy powerhouse, utilizing its vast oil and gas reserves to supply the U.S. with the affordable energy we need every single day. Moreover, the shale revolution has strengthened our nation’s geopolitical standing, giving our allies in Europe access to U.S.-produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) and helping to reduce their reliance on our adversaries, like Russia and Iran. Rather than build upon this success, however, President Biden has been handcuffing domestic energy production, which undermines not only our economic security, but our national security as well. That is why we’re working to push back on this harmful Green New Deal agenda.

It started with the Biden administration locking away taxpayer-owned energy resources and imposing new costs and regulatory burdens on federal energy leases. Maximizing access to new leasing today is directly tied to growing production and supply in the long-term. On top of this, President Biden and his allies in congress are imposing costly taxes and burdensome technology mandates on oil and gas production, including a new tax on natural gas that was included in the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend bill. The president even unilaterally banned new U.S. LNG export approvals at a time when we are trying to counter Russia’s aggression and influence. This makes no sense from any standpoint, whether economic, national security, or environmental, as the U.S. and its allies will have to rely on energy from nations with lower environmental standards.

The results of this approach are clear. By reducing the acreage available for leasing and making it more expensive to produce energy, the Biden administration is hamstringing supply now and into the future, meaning persistently higher costs for American consumers. As of March 2024, the price of gasoline remains more than 40 percent higher than when President Biden took office, and since energy is built into the cost of everything we

consume, Americans have been facing record-high inflation. North Dakotans are especially feeling the pressure. According to Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, North Dakota families have experienced a cumulative price increase of about 18 percent under the current administration. This means paying more for everything across the economy.

Instead, we need to unleash U.S. energy potential and empower our producers to utilize all of our abundant energy resources. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, that is exactly what I’m working to achieve for our natural gas and LNG producers, among other energy sources. These efforts include:

• Introducing the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act.

— This legislation would eliminate the requirement for the Department of Energy to authorize LNG exports, giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sole authority over the approval process.

• Working to reverse the Biden administration’s ban on transporting LNG by rail.

• Sponsoring legislation to streamline and set deadlines for multi-agency National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews of natural gas pipeline and LNG projects needed to get energy to market.

• Planning to sponsor a resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to block the Democrats’ natural gas tax, also known as the Waste Emissions Charge, once it is finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The U.S. should not only be energy independent, but energy dominant, and with the right policies we can be. Through these and other efforts, we can restore our nation’s energy security, bring down prices for consumers, tackle inflation and strengthen our geopolitical standing abroad. l

Irrational energy policies chip away at Bakken oil and natural gas advantage

By Holly Hopkins

American oil and natural gas producers, including key players here in the Bakken, keep our economy strong and energy supplies plentiful. Our industry’s ability to produce oil and natural gas reliably and affordably is the envy of the world. Despite our

American energy advantage, some policymakers in Washington are putting election year politics ahead of sound, supportive policy.

Over the last three years, President Biden’s administration has taken actions and advanced proposals that put America’s energy advantage

at risk and imperil our position as the world’s top producer of oil and natural gas. Many of our energy competitors are not strong allies. Diminishing the future potential of U.S. production leaves an opening for those nations to increase their reach and influence.

Although the U.S. is currently at record oil and natural gas production levels, the administration continues to hinder American energy leadership at home and around the world with policies that should be reconsidered or reversed. Three come to mind.

First, EPA’s proposed tailpipe emissions rule is a de facto mandate for new vehicles produced to be essentially all-electric, with no consideration for energy security or consumer choice. The policy ignores the right of consumers to decide what type of vehicle works best for them, and unnecessarily forces a reliance on battery minerals and components from China. A recent study showed 75 percent of Americans oppose government regulations that would ban new gasoline, diesel and hybrid vehicles. Policymakers need to listen to the American people before making decisions that could seriously impact their daily lives.

Second, the recent announcement by the Energy Department that it was freezing the consideration of

permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities to deliver LNG to nonFree Trade Agreement countries is a genuine step backward for American energy policy. These coastal facilities depend on natural gas from energy plays like the Bakken. If not reversed, the administration’s arbitrary and retrograde LNG moratorium could hurt investment and jobs here – and will undermine global energy security while wars rage in two energyproducing regions of the world.

Third are proposed regulations to limit access to oil and natural gas development on public lands. Last year the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed to increase costs and uncertainty surrounding leasing on federal lands while separately attempting

to weaken the existing multiple-use framework that governs those lands. While the energy success of the Bakken depends more on private land, the proposal circumvents Congress’ clear directive to BLM that federal lands should be used for multiple uses – a key principle in the agency’s founding. American oil and natural gas producers strongly support conservation efforts, but if adopted, the rule could reduce domestic production and curtail projects that fund and facilitate local communities and conservation partnerships.

Given the world will see two billion more people over the next 25 years, we need more energy – not less. The pursuit in Washington of proposals that ignore the need for Bakken oil

and natural gas, the importance of America’s role as an energy leader, and a consumer’s right to choose their vehicles must not stand.

Last year, North Dakota producers met increased crude production goals and are stepping up to meet increased demand for natural gas. Global demand for both Bakken energy sources will be increasing for decades to come. We need policies to keep the lights on in homes and businesses across the country. And our policymakers in congress and in the White House should support the development of North Dakota’s oil and natural gas to keep America strong.

Holly Hopkins is vice president of Upstream Policy at the American Petroleum Institute in Washington l

Biden’s energy policies have harmed consumers and U.S. energy security

By H. Sterling Burnett, Ph.D.

Three years into President Joe Biden’s term, the results of his climate policies on energy in the United States and the economy as a whole are evident.

Driven, in part, by his belief that climate change is “a clear and present danger,” Biden has imposed policies that make oil, gas, and coal development and use more difficult, more expensive, and in many cases impossible, at least economically. The results are higher prices that have rippled throughout the economy, because energy touches or is a component of virtually all economic activity.

The Heartland Institute calculated that in his first two years, Biden’s fossil fuel restricting policies had already cost Americans more than $2,300 per household.

Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Biden administration tried to blame the war for America’s higher energy prices, referring to it as the “Putin Price Hike,” and it did cause a temporary spike. But the truth is, before the first bomb dropped in Ukraine, oil prices had already risen 60 percent since Biden’s inauguration, a year before Russian forces entered Ukraine.

The Biden administration’s actions to reduce domestic fossil fuel production are many and varied. Within the first week of his presidency, and in many cases on his first day in office, Biden signed executive orders canceling the Keystone XL pipeline, restricted drilling in many parts of Alaska, placed a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and offshore—despite federal courts deeming them illegal—and directed the administrative agencies under his control to impose expensive regulations on oilfield operations, and more.

In addition, the Biden administration has slow walked the approval of pending oil and gas leases, issuing the lowest number of new leases since 1940. Biden passed the first direct federal tax on methane, doubled rental fees on onshore leases, increased royalty rates, and reinstated a 16.4 cents per barrel Hazardous Substance Superfund Financing Rate fee on crude oil and other petroleum products.

As result of these policies and others, the Energy Information Administration reported that from December 2020 to December 2022, residential electricity costs rose by more than 17 percent. Gasoline and industrial electricity prices spiked 51 percent, $1.15 per gallon, and 34 percent, respectively. Electricity prices have continued to soar as highly subsidized renewables have replaced coal power, now standing 23 percent higher than before Biden. In fact, the latter three prices moderated in 2023, but still remain 23 percent, 42 percent ($0.973), and 19.5 percent more than they were when Trump left office.

And, of course, food prices have risen dramatically as well because oil, electricity, gasoline, and the chemical fertilizers and pesticides they are made from are critical to agriculture production.

Biden’s policies undermined the energy independence America had largely achieved under Trump. Rather than reversing course and backing increased domestic production when energy and food prices spiked, Biden went begging to Saudi Arabia, a nation whose leader he had called a pariah when he was running for president, with a request to increase production. When that failed, he then went to Venezuela, asking for more oil while offering political concessions to the Maduro regime in order to secure more oil. Why oil produced under laxer environmental laws and shipped half-way across the world is better for the climate than domestically produced oil has never been explained.

In 2023 and early 2024, Biden doubled down on his anti-fossil fuel

Biden’s policies undermined the energy independence America had largely achieved under Trump. Rather than reversing course and backing increased domestic production when energy and food prices spiked, Biden went begging to Saudi Arabia...

policies by imposing new emission limits on power plants, making it almost impossible for coal-fueled plants to continue operating; mandating new methane restrictions on oil and gas operations to prevent flaring, while blocking pipeline construction needed to deliver gas to the market and obviate the need for flaring; and, most recently, pausing new LNG export terminals. LNG is a bright spot for the United States, and our allies are clamoring for more U.S. LNG, but the Biden administration is halting new approvals to fight climate change.

To be sure, large integrated oil companies have done well under Biden because high energy prices resulting from his policies have resulted in high retail prices for their goods. They have maximized production from existing wells on state and private lands, even as federal opportunities for new production have dried up. But smalland mid-size exploration companies, those who can’t afford to pass on the higher regulatory costs or without their own leases, have suffered, as have consumers. And even the integrated multinationals are living on borrowed time as domestic and international climate policies start to hamper new finance and locations for new production.

H. Sterling Burnett, Ph.D., (hsburnett@ heartland.org) is the director of the Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy at The Heartland Institute, a non-partisan, non-profit research organization based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. l

North America’s massive resource potential

By Alex Stevens – Manager of Policy and Communications, Institute for Energy Research

In 2011, the Institute for Energy Research (IER) released the first edition of the North American Energy Inventory, challenging the prevailing belief in energy scarcity.

At that time, the U.S. ranked third in oil production globally, and skepticism about running out of oil, natural gas and coal prevailed.

Since 2008, U.S. oil production has risen by 166 percent, and natural gas production has more than doubled since 2005. The success is attributed to hydraulic fracturing, precision drilling, and private ownership of subsurface resources, predominantly on private lands.

Despite initial doubts, the U.S. has become a leading global producer of both oil and natural gas. IER has now released an updated 2024 version of the North American Inventory. The

data underscores North America's vast energy potential, highlighting the ability to produce affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean energy for global needs.

IER's assessment indicates that the technically recoverable oil resources in the United States stand at 1,657.5 billion barrels, marking a 15 percent increase from its North American Inventory report published in 2011. The Energy Information Administration, by the end of 2021, estimated proved oil reserves at 44.4 billion barrels, reflecting a 16 percent rise from the previous year and a substantial 116 percent surge from IER's earlier report. Notably, despite Americans consuming 7.3 billion barrels of oil in 2021, the U.S. oil industry augmented reserves. At the current consumption rate, the United

States boasts a remarkable 227 years of oil supply from technically recoverable resources. Further drilling endeavors are expected to enhance these resources, providing a 369-year supply at a 50 percent recovery rate.

IER's assessment indicates that the technically recoverable natural gas resources in the United States amount to 4,032 trillion cubic feet, marking a significant 47 percent increase from the 2011 inventory report. According to the Energy Information Administration, by the end of 2021, proved gas reserves reached 625 trillion cubic feet, representing a substantial 32 percent increase from the previous year and a remarkable 130 percent surge from IER's previous report. Despite the United States consuming 30.6

trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2021, which is only 20 percent of the increase in proved reserves for that year, the nation still maintains a 20-year supply from proved reserves and over 130 years from technically recoverable resources at the current consumption rate. The in-place natural gas resources in the United States are estimated to be over 65 quadrillion cubic feet. Even if only half of this amount becomes recoverable, the United States would have a surplus of over 1,000 years of natural gas supply based on 2022 consumption rates.

Canada also possess significant oil and gas resources. The IER estimated Canada’s technically recoverable oil resources at 324 billion barrels—about the same as the IER’s 2011 report. Canada’s proved oil reserves totaled 163 billion barrels at the end of 2021, 97 percent of which are oil sands. Canada consumed 1.7 million barrels of oil per day in 2022 (620 million barrels). At that consumption rate, Canada has 263 years of oil supply from proven reserves and 523 years of supply from technically recoverable oil resources.

IER's latest assessment indicates that Canada possesses an estimated 1,368 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable natural gas resources, reflecting an 80 percent increase compared to their previous inventory report. Furthermore, the country's proven natural gas reserves stood at 87 trillion cubic feet by the end of 2021, marking a 40 percent rise since IER's 2011 report. In 2022, Canada's daily natural gas consumption reached 7.11 billion cubic feet,

equivalent to 2,595 trillion cubic feet annually. Based on this consumption rate, Canada is projected to have 34 years of natural gas supply from its proven reserves and an impressive 527 years from its technically recoverable natural gas resources.

The full report can be found at our website, instituteforenergyresearch.org. l

Based on this consumption rate, Canada is projected to have 34 years of natural gas supply from its proven reserves and an impressive 527 years from its technically recoverable natural gas resources.

Bakken poised for more consolidation after Chord’s Enerplus deal

By Andrew Dittmar, SVP Enverus Intelligence Research

Merger mania gripping the Permian Basin spread to the Williston Basin with Chord Energy buying Enerplus for $3.9 billion. The acquisition is part of a wave of corporate mergers among E&Ps as management teams have bought into a mantra of bigger is better and kicked off an arms race to secure top acquisition targets. The deal will shift Chord into the large-cap peer group with a market cap over $10 billion. However, scale by itself won’t add investor value without concurrent benefits from access to more high-quality drilling locations and lowering costs by capturing synergies. The acquisition of Enerplus hits these goals for Chord. Enerplus has about six years of the high-quality drilling inventory investors prioritize, or locations that are economic at a $50/bbl oil price or less, compared to Chord at about four years. Both companies have more than a decade of inventory looking at drilling locations economic at $60/ bbl or less, which investors are not currently focusing on but should add value as the best drilling locations are depleted and activity shifts to higher cost areas.

Investors have also favored in-basin consolidation among companies to generate more synergies from operations. In this deal, Chord says it will generate $150 million in annual

synergies once operations are fully integrated, including $110 million in savings from reduced well drilling costs and lower lease operating expenses. Other well-received deals including Chesapeake merging with Southwestern and Diamondback’s acquisition of Endeavor also included substantial in-basin synergies.

Corporate consolidation among public companies has likely gained favor in recent deals due to its inherently more appealing value proposition compared to deals involving private sellers or noncore asset sales. Given the relative discount E&P equities are trading at, buyers can offer a modest premium of 10 to 15 percent, where most deals have priced including the Enerplus acquisition, and gain the assets cheaper than other M&A opportunities. Chord paid about $400,000 for each of Enerplus’ undeveloped drilling locations, including inventory outside the Williston, while its non-core asset acquisition from ExxonMobil in 2023 priced at double that, both after accounting for the value of existing production.

The Williston Basin still contains substantial acquisition opportunities relative to the more consolidated basins, and Chord will be well positioned with the increased scale

from the Enerplus deal and a strong balance sheet to capitalize on these opportunities. EnCap-backed Grayson Mill Energy is reported to be exploring a sales process this year and Chord is the most obvious buyer for Grayson Mill given asset fit, although it may wish to conclude this deal before folding in another major asset. There may also be non-core asset acquisition opportunities from 2023’s large buyers like ExxonMobil, which could choose to sell off chunks of its position in bite-sized deals as it did in a previous transaction with Chord versus looking to fully exit the play and surrender the free cash flow from its developed assets in a full basin exit. Other companies with substantial operations in the Williston that are likely to take a close look at acquisition opportunities that come to market include Devon Energy, which was also reported to be a suitor for Enerplus and Marathon Oil.

Andrew Dittmar joined Enverus (PLS) in 2014 and is part of the Enverus Market Research Group with a focus on M&A. He specializes in deal analysis, research and valuations for upstream assets and tracks industry M&A trends and outlooks. He has a BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University and a JD from The University of Texas School of Law. l

Cerilon GTL North Dakota Project: A first for North America

This multi-billion project will deliver environmentally responsible energy products, while contributing to the economy, creating employment opportunities and reducing dependency on imports

By Lisa Kopochinski

North Dakota is soon to be home to a groundbreaking project, not only for the state, but for North America.

Cerilon’s gas-to-liquids (GTL) project is now moving into FEL 3, its next development stage, progressing with the project’s engineering and permitting.

“We chose North Dakota for many reasons, including state and local support for responsible energy development, an abundant natural

gas supply and deep local industry expertise,” says Ron Opperman, CEO, Cerilon GTL ND. “We’re looking forward to being a meaningful part of this industry and community for decades to come.”

Cerilon GTL North Dakota will turn natural gas that may have otherwise been flared or wasted into useful, high-value liquids, including ultralow sulfur diesel, Naphtha and Group III+ base oils. These products

will help to satisfy demand in the state, reducing reliance on imports. It’s the first larger scale, natural gasfed GTL facility to be built in North America and will also feature carbon capture and storage, making this 24,000-barrel-per-day facility the first of its kind in the world.

“GTL products are high quality and burn more efficiently which reduces emissions from their use,” says Opperman. “These properties,

Preliminary rendering of Cerilon GTL North Dakota.

especially when combined with capturing and storing the CO 2 generated in the process, make our products unique, valuable and part of a lower-carbon future.”

Nico Duursema, CEO of Cerilon Inc., adds that their ambition is to play a significant role in helping the world meet its lower-carbon energy needs.

“This is the first of many projects in our development pipeline and we’re well positioned to provide energy transition solutions and expertise that can accelerate positive progress,” says Duursema.

The company’s business model, Duursema adds, is built to be agile, integrate technological advancements and leverage long-

term partners who are globally renowned for excellence. This powerful combination enhances Cerilon’s speed-to-market and improves sustainable return on investment.

Cerilon focuses on creating local opportunities, generating economic benefits and engaging with neighboring communities and all levels of government. Cerilon GTL North Dakota is putting this philosophy into practice.

“We believe strong, trust-based relationships are essential to our ongoing success and invest in them deeply,” says Rochelle Harding, director, Sustainability and Engagement. “We’re working to understand community concerns,

mitigate potential impacts and create mutual benefit.”

These benefits, she explains, include creating high-quality employment and business opportunities, and helping to meet the state’s liquid energy needs with environmentally responsible products. Further, the project will contribute to the surrounding region’s development by supporting existing utilities and services.

The first phase of Cerilon GTL North Dakota, expected to cost in the order of $3.5 billion, will convert 240 million SCF/day of natural gas into 24,000 bpd of products. A second phase of similar capacity is also planned for the same site. l

Hosted by:

WILLISTON BASIN PETROLEUM CONFERENCE

2024 WILLISTON BASIN PETROLEUM CONFERENCE

TO BE HELD FROM MAY 14-16, 2024

Conference will celebrate a major production milestone of five-billion Bakken barrels

The world's leading oil and natural gas experts gather at the 31st annual Williston Basin Petroleum Conference (WBPC) to discuss industry innovations and future strategies on May 14-16, 2024 at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck, ND.

One of the preeminent gatherings for North America’s energy sector and the largest conference in North Dakota, WBPC offers major networking and business development opportunities and brings together some of the leading oil and natural gas experts.

This year’s conference is expected to draw more than 2,500 attendees and over 300 indoor and outdoor exhibitors. With its reputation as a premier event in the region, the WBPC underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledgesharing in navigating the complexities of the modern energy landscape.

In a gathering of industry titans, the WBPC will attract global attention with nationally renowned speakers

including Chris Wright, Liberty Energy; Neel Kashkari, Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank; Harold Hamm, Continental Resources; and Danny Brown, Chord Energy.

The conference kicks off with an engaging conversation with Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota’s U.S. Congressman, and Montana Congressman and Former Secretary of Interior, Ryan Zinke, discussing the future of energy. Other leaders in government participating in this year’s conference include North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and the director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, Lynn Helms.

The conference will feature an all-star lineup of industry experts from across the nation, including Kathleen Sgamma, Western Energy Alliance, and Jeff Eshelman, Independent Petroleum Association of America, who will offer a diverse array of perspectives on pressing issues facing the oil and natural gas industry.

The conference promises to be a source of discussions, networking, and groundbreaking insights from over 15 Bakken CEOs of North Dakota’s biggest companies including Rainbow Energy Center, ONEOK, MDU Resources, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

The WBPC has been a major catalyst in the growth and evolution of the North Dakota energy industry by bringing innovators and entrepreneurs together to share new ideas and technologies that have helped unlock the state and nation’s vast oil and natural gas reserves.

With the world's energy demands continuously evolving, the conference provides a vital platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share best practices, and explore avenues for sustainable growth. From emerging exploration opportunities to the latest in environmental stewardship, attendees can expect a comprehensive exploration of the industry's most pressing challenges and opportunities.

“The Williston Basin Petroleum Conference brings together some of our industry’s greatest visionaries to discuss groundbreaking enhanced oil recovery techniques from the Bakken,” says Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. “These technologies helped turn the Bakken into a world-class resource.”

Topics on the agenda include advancements in drilling technologies, sustainable energy

practices, regulatory developments, and the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape impacting oil and gas markets. Panelists and keynote speakers will discuss topics such as:

• Advancing Bakken Technology

• Capitalizing Sustainability

• Enhanced Oil Recovery

• The Future of Energy Supply

• Workforce Solutions

• Operational Excellence

• And many more!

North Dakota poised to reach major production milestone

Unique to this year’s conference, the oil industry will celebrate reaching

five-billion barrels of oil produced in North Dakota.

"In mid-2024, we're going to reach five-billion barrels of Bakken oil," explains Ness. "This is a huge milestone and a testament to North Dakota’s role as a champion in driving innovation and integration of sustainable technologies to increase domestic energy production and enhance our nation’s energy security."

All industry members and those interested in North Dakota’s energy future are encouraged to attend. Registration is now open with the agenda and event details located at www.WBPCND.com. l

Right: Harold Hamm at the 2021 WBPC main stage. Below left: The outdoor expo at the 2021 WBPC. Below right: The exhibit floor at the WBPC 2021.

Bismarck State College: Empowering tomorrow's oil and gas industry leaders

In the heart of North Dakota lies a beacon of opportunity for those seeking to make their mark in the dynamic world of oil and gas.

Bismarck State College (BSC), renowned for its commitment to excellence in education and growing industry, stands as a premier polytechnic institution offering comprehensive programs tailored to meet the demands of the thriving energy sector.

Fueling success: BSC oil and gas programs

At BSC, individuals passionate about the oil and gas industry can embark on a transformative journey through our array of specialized programs.

Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the immersive experience of on-campus education, BSC caters to diverse needs, ensuring accessibility for all aspiring professionals.

At BSC, programs focus on crucial aspects of operations, maintenance,

and instrumentation, providing students with the indispensable skills sought after by industry employers. What sets BSC apart is the commitment to excellence in education, with courses built and taught by seasoned energy industry professionals. This ensures that graduates emerge not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical insights and hands-on experience, making them invaluable assets from day one.

One hallmark of BSC’s Energy programs is the opportunity for early career entry. With industry connections and a curriculum designed to align with real-world needs, many BSC Energy students secure employment as early as the second semester. This seamless transition from education to employment underscores BSC’s dedication to producing workforceready professionals who are poised to make an immediate impact in the field.

Seizing opportunities: Scholarships and industry partnerships

The demand for skilled workers in the oil and gas industry is extremely high, and BSC is committed to bridging the gap by empowering students through financial support and strategic partnerships. With over $250,000 in BSC Energy-specific scholarships, quality education is accessible to all regardless of financial constraints. These scholarships not only alleviate the burden of tuition but also serve as a testament to the commitment to student success.

Furthermore, a collaboration with industry leaders such as Marathon Petroleum Council and the North Dakota Department of Commerce has opened up avenues for specialized training and experiential learning. BSC has received $22,000 from Marathon to host an energy camp in summer 2024 to provide high school students with a unique opportunity to engage with industry

With over $250,000 in BSC Energy-specific scholarships, quality education is accessible to all regardless of financial constraints.

One hallmark of BSC's Energy programs is the opportunity for early career entry.

experts and gain firsthand insights into the latest advancements, practices and job opportunities. Additionally, funding from the ND Department of Commerce has enabled BSC to offer cutting-edge training in automation, further enhancing our curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Pioneering access: The Great Plains Promise

In keeping with the mission to promote workforce development and student accessibility, BSC announced the launch of the Great Plains Promise—an unprecedented initiative aimed at breaking down financial barriers and empowering students to pursue higher education. Beginning in fall 2024, eligible firstyear and transfer students enrolling

At Bismarck State

at BSC have the opportunity to benefit from free tuition under this groundbreaking program. By eliminating the financial burden, BSC seeks to create a level playing field where every individual has the chance to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive landscape of oil and gas, as well as other industries.

"At BSC, we are dedicated to equipping our students with

Bismarck State College offers flexible 2- and 4-year degrees and stackable certificates to provide future and current employees with the opportunity to upskill and advance in high-demand careers.

the tools they need to succeed in the fast-paced world of oil and gas,” says Alicia Uhde, BSC Dean of Automation, Energy, and Advanced Technologies. “Through our innovative programs, industry partnerships, and commitment to student accessibility, we are shaping the future leaders of the energy sector, while driving growth and innovation every step of the way.” l

• Gas Plant Operator

• Instrumentation & Control Technicians

• Mechanical Maintenance Technicians • Automation Technicians

• Energy Production Operators

• Renewable Technicians

• Energy Supervision & Managers

• Safety & Environmental Regulations Managers

EOR: An oil and gas revolution

By Anna Nelson, President, Williston Area Chamber of Commerce

Maturity, depending on the context, can give the impression that growth is complete. In the context of the Bakken oilfields, maturity means something else entirely.

Just over two years ago, North Dakota’s director of mineral resources, Lynn Helms, announced

that the Bakken is now considered a “mature play1 ,” sparking questions about the remaining lifespan of the basin for some – and opening a world of opportunity for others.

While oil rigs are what comes to mind most immediately regarding the Bakken, or any basin for that

matter, the industry is really production. Harnessing the power – current and potential – of both oil and gas will be key to the future of the industry and the extension of the Bakken play. To this end, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts have ramped up in the past two years.

The Bakken is leading the way in this oil and gas revolution that is EOR, with the potential to release several billion barrels of additional recoverable oil. Photo courtesy of TrainND-Northwest.

To be clear, EOR has long been on the horizon, but we are now seeing more research, more technology, and more innovation, aimed at slowing down the proverbial clock that threatens to tick down on the formation’s most productive years.

At the forefront of much of this research, along with industry partners, is the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. From chemical applications to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injection, the Bakken is leading the way in this oil and gas revolution that is EOR, with the potential to release several billion barrels of additional recoverable oil.

Not only will these efforts increase efficiency and years of service for these wells, but several of these new approaches are also in line with Governor Doug Burgum’s goal for the state to be carbon-neutral by 2030. By capturing and injecting CO 2 , companies are reducing or delaying CO 2 emissions and repurposing the by-product, using it to help increase oil production, fulfilling two goals at once.

From workforce to revenue, EOR is opening doors to new possibilities within the industry. New techniques require new skill sets, new technology, and new ways of thinking that can lend themselves to upskilling or reskilling opportunities, automation, and new jobs. Utilizing CO 2 can open up new revenue sources and/or be used to increase oil production which, in turn, increases a producer’s revenue. These new and increased

revenue streams also have statewide economic implications as the gross production tax (GPT) feeds into North Dakota’s Legacy Fund, with sights set on ensuring the state’s long-term financial viability.

With economic and environmental benefits, as well as public-private partnerships, North Dakota is proving

once again that it is a pioneer within the oil and gas space, telling the world that the Bakken is not only strong, but that it will be strong for years - and decades - to come.

1 “Oil company leaders describe Bakken oil patch as ‘mature.’” Associated Press, 15 Feb. 2022, https://apnews.com/ article/business-north-dakota-a16ebd 2fce95b3e5d343bad192805184 l

Not only will these efforts increase efficiency and years of service for these wells, but several of these new approaches are also in line with Governor Doug Burgum’s goal for the state to be carbon-neutral by 2030.

Photo courtesy of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce.

Cultural diversity and inclusiveness

The foundation to a strong workforce

By Kacie Kostelecky

In today's rapidly evolving global economy, organizations like Vision West ND recognize the profound impact of cultural diversity and inclusiveness on building a resilient workforce, and they’re doing something about it.

When organizations embrace diversity, they open the door to a wealth of perspectives, ideas, talents and opportunities. When organizations foster inclusiveness, they earn deeper trust and commitment from their employees. As part of their efforts to embrace cultural inclusion in western North Dakota, Vision West ND hosted a Diversity Equity Inclusiveness Training that not only allows local businesses to see the impact of diversity on a workplace, but also offers up key tools to help them get started in their respective businesses.

It's no secret that a diverse workforce brings together individuals with unique experiences and viewpoints. Diversity of thought sparks innovation, and that can lead to groundbreaking

Top left: As part of their efforts to embrace cultural inclusion in western North Dakota, Vision West ND hosted a Diversity Equity Inclusiveness Training.

Left center: Businesses must proactively combat discrimination and foster cultural understanding to build an authentically effective and diverse team.

Left bottom: Vision West ND believes that by fostering a workplace that welcomes individuals from all walks of life, companies can tap into a deep reservoir of talent, creativity, and innovation that will undoubtedly contribute to their strength and success in the global marketplace.

ideas and solutions. Another great impact that a diverse workforce has is that they’re more likely to connect with and understand their clients' needs, which expands their market reach and boosts customer loyalty.

It is crucial that individuals feel valued and respected as they will be more likely to engage and be satisfied in their roles. This, in turn, leads to higher retention rates, saving companies recruitment and training costs. With the workforce issue North Dakota is facing, it is a pivotal time to act.

As the renowned Harvard Business Review wisely notes in "Getting Serious About Diversity," simply increasing the diversity headcount without a profound commitment to reshaping the power structure won't yield the desired effectiveness and financial benefits. Therefore, businesses must proactively combat discrimination and foster cultural understanding to build an authentically effective and diverse team.

In conclusion, the value of cultural diversity and inclusiveness in the workforce cannot be overstated. These principles are not just about doing what's right; they are about doing what's smart for business. Vision West ND believes that by fostering a workplace that welcomes individuals from all walks of life, companies can tap into a deep reservoir of talent, creativity, and innovation that will undoubtedly contribute to their strength and success in the global marketplace. Embracing diversity is not just a choice; it's an imperative for building a strong and sustainable future for western North Dakota. l

“Increasing diversity does not, by itself, increase effectiveness; what matters is how an organization harnesses diversity, and whether it’s willing to reshape its power structure.”

–

and David A. Thomas, Harvard Business Review

WBPC 2025 in Regina, Saskatchewan again to focus on different kinds of subsurface energy

The Williston Basin Petroleum Conference (WBPC) – alternating between even numbered years in Bismarck, North Dakota and odd numbered years in Regina, Saskatchewan – has always been marked by subtle differences not just between the two countries, but also fundamental differences between the geological and economic drivers that inform both events.

In North Dakota, with the Bakken oil play containing bigger pay zones and higher production rates, the WBPC is driven by the importance of that reality. The North Dakota trade show is larger than its Canadian cousin, with more oilfield suppliers, and the conference itself has a stronger focus on topics related

to operational and economic challenges faced by operators in the field.

The WBPC in Canada retains a focus on the Bakken and challenges faced with thinner pay zones and more difficult to access assets in Saskatchewan. But Saskatchewan has the additional impacts and challenges of multiple commodities in the subsurface – everything from large potash deposits, to significant geothermal energy, to recently examined characterized lithium deposits in some saline aquifers in the region. While not directly related to petroleum, these commodities nevertheless can shape and influence geological activities and exploration.

With this in mind, the 2025 WBPC in Regina, which is taking place from April 28-30, 2024, will again offer a broad array of technical and R&D sessions. Business and technical sessions will examine recent Canadian and provincial regulatory changes, along with the impacts of carbon capture and storage on the oil/gas and mining industries. Research topics will cover latest advancements in recovery methods – thermal, solvent-based, polymers and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) for application to production and oilfield monitoring.

The tradeshow component of WBPC again is looking for companies with innovative technologies in a wide array of areas. Oilfield emissions

The 2025 WBPC in Regina, which is taking place from April 28-30, 2024, will again offer a broad array of technical and R&D sessions. Seen here is the conference main presentations from previous WBPC in Regina.

improvements like methane reductions, CO 2 capture and storage technologies, commodity extraction technologies – all will be of interest to attendees. 2025’s event again will be hosted at the Delta Hotel and Saskatchewan Conference Centre in Downtown Regina.

As usual, the Saskatchewan Geological Society is expected to run the Dr. Don Kent Core Workshop the day before the conference begins. This popular workshop is highly in demand. The Canadian website for the conference will be posting a call for papers (deadline likely late January 2025) but won’t be open for registrations, sponsorships or booth purchases until the fall of 2024.

Registration is expected to open in December. Visit www.wbpc.ca for more details as available.

WBPC Canada is run and operated by the Petroleum Technology

Business and technical sessions will examine recent Canadian and provincial regulatory changes, along with the impacts of carbon capture and storage on the oil/gas and mining industries.

Premier Scott Moe at a previous WBPC in Regina.

Research Centre and the Saskatchewan Government through

the Saskatchewan Geological Survey. l

A mammoth discovery at North Dakota’s Freedom Mine

By Clint A. Boyd

The Freedom Mine near Beulah, North Dakota is the largest lignite coal mine in the United States, producing approximately 16 million tons of coal each year recovered from the Paleocene-aged Sentinel Butte Formation. Overlying those coal-bearing rocks throughout the mine is a thick layer of clay, sand, and gravel that was deposited as the last glaciers retreated from North Dakota at the end of the Ice Age.

In the early morning hours over the Memorial Day weekend in May of 2023, workers in one area of the mine were removing those overlying sediments and transporting them to another area of the mine that was being reclaimed. As a dump truck finished pouring out a load of sand, an amazing discovery was made: a complete, seven-foot-long mammoth tusk was laying on top of the pile. Quickly realizing the

importance of this discovery, the mine workers moved the tusk to a safe area and relocated excavation work away from the area the tusk had come from in case more of the skeleton remained to be discovered. Mammoths, which are close relatives of today’s elephants, roamed the frozen tundra of North America during the Ice Age, beginning around two million years ago. Several species of mammoth lived in North America, including the Woolly Mammoth and the Columbian Mammoth. They lived alongside many other animals that are now extinct, including giant ground sloths, saber-tooth tigers, and giant short-faced bears that stood up to 11 feet tall. In North Dakota, the last of the mammoths, along with many of the other Ice Age mammals they lived with, went extinct around 10,000 years ago.

Despite the fact that over half of the state is covered by Ice Age rocks, discoveries of fossils from that time period are infrequent and often consist of isolated teeth or bones. This new discovery had the potential to be one of the best mammoth specimens discovered in the state.

Recognizing the importance of the discovery, the mine organized a meeting with representatives of the North Dakota Geological Survey, the State Historical Society of North Dakota, and the Bureau of Land Management to visit the site and document the discovery. The site was first assessed for any cultural materials (for example, pottery, tools, or cut marks on the bones) by staff from the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Once it was confirmed there was no evidence of human involvement at the site, a team led by paleontologists from the North

Photograph of the initial discovery of the mammoth tusk at the Freedom Mine.

Photograph of staff from the North Dakota Geological Survey and employees from the Freedom Mine working the quarry in search of more mammoth bones.

Dakota Geological Survey and assisted by workers from the mine began excavations to locate more of the mammoth skeleton. They quickly realized that there was not a full skeleton buried at the site. Instead, bones and teeth of the mammoth and other animals that lived at the same time, like ancient bison, had been washed down a stream that once flowed through the area and some of the bones ended up buried in the streambed. The preservation of fossils at the site was so pristine that dozens of snail shells smaller than a fingernail were discovered and collected while digging out the bones. Over the course of 12 days, more than 20 bones from the mammoth, including ribs, a shoulder blade, a partial tooth, and parts of the hips, were recovered, making it the most complete mammoth specimen yet discovered in North Dakota.

After being stabilized in protective plaster jackets, the bones were transported to the Paleontology Lab at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck.

The slow and meticulous process of cleaning off the attached sediment and stabilizing the delicate bones is currently underway and will hopefully be completed by the end of 2024. While that work continues, staff from the North Dakota Geological Survey and the Freedom Mine are working together

to develop a plan to integrate these fossils into an educational outreach program and discussing possible locations where they could be put on public display. The goal is to ensure as many people as possible can see these fossils and learn what it tells us about life in North Dakota during the Ice Age. l

Top left: Patricia Ford (left) holds a large piece of bone from the mammoth that was discovered in the loose rock that was removed from the quarry by an excavator.

Top right: Paleontologists Clint Boyd (left) and Abigail Glass (right) excavate rock from around a large mammoth bone (center).

Right: A protective cover of burlap strips soaked in plaster is applied over the fragile bone to protect it for transport back to the paleontology lab in Bismarck.

Efforts continue for a vibrant and prosperous community in McKenzie County

According to data from Job Service North Dakota, our labor force increased by 1,000 over the past year bringing us within 600 from our all-time labor force record that was set in 2019 at 10,584. More workers lead to more economic activity, and demonstrates the need for more infrastructure projects which have been going strong for us over the past decade.

The Bakken Area Skills Center opened its doors in January 2024. The center provides space for high school and post high school students to receive handson training in health careers, automation, automotive and building trades.

The McKenzie County Ag Expo will be the site of our county fair on June 13-16, 2024. The Ag Expo opened last year and provides a 112,000-square-foot facility, outdoor arena, ample parking, and camping spots. The expo has quickly become a venue of choice for a wide variety of events. But the Ag Expo isn’t the

only event space in town. The Rough Rider Center, which opened in 2016, had its millionth visit in December 2023. The Rough Rider Center has space for meetings, sporting tournaments, indoor swimming, and indoor hockey rinks.

We are looking forward to August 27-29, 2024, when Governor Burgum will be bringing his Main Street Initiative Summit to our community. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, tours and other unique events spread throughout our community. Each year, the event garners interest from hundreds of individuals looking for ways to see that their communities remain relevant and vibrant.

Regarding childcare, the Wolf Pup Daycare at Fox Hills is set to open later this year. That facility will have capacity for 180 children. Additionally, the City of Alexander is looking to begin construction on a childcare facility that will have capacity for 70 children.

Economic development efforts include those that add vibrancy to our community so that we retain and attract a high-quality workforce in the county that produces the most oil for North Dakota. Last fall the Long X Arts Foundation and Watford City High School hosted a Cultural Fair with over 500 people attending and representatives from over 20 countries.

Events are another highlight of our community. A few of the annual events we are looking forward to include Arnegard’s 4th of July celebration, Watford City’s Ribfest on August 9, and Alexander’s Old Settlers Day over Labor Day weekend in September. Other outdoor opportunities include golfing at Fox Hills’ 18-hole golf course, hiking in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, biking out on the 150-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail, or spending some time at Lake Sakakewea at Tobacco Gardens Resort. l

McKenzie County Ag Expo Facility.

Inside the McKenzie County Ag Expo indoor arena.

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Well maintained industrial/office property in Sidney, Montana with significant upside potential as mixed use, multi-tenant, or new corporate space This property features security fencing, well & septic system, geothermal HVAC system and many other amenities. Seller will be retaining 13 acres of original 33 acre parcel

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