Smart Fracking: Jim Letourneau On Enhanced Oil Recovery
The Energy Report | Aug 11, 2013 06:08AM ET
What's the difference between an oil well and a very expensive hole in the ground? Advanced hydraulic fracturing techniques, in many cases. That's why Big Picture Speculator Editor Jim Letourneau is following service companies that are helping producers get to the finish line on time and under budget. In this interview with The Energy Report, Letourneau discusses new ways to play the ever-evolving shale revolution.
The Energy Report: On July 26, George Phydias Mitchell died at the age of 94. The late Texas oilman had pioneered the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Can you speak about his achievements?
Jim Letourneau: Mitchell was the founder of the entire shale oil/shale gas revolution. For decades, the Texas wildcatters had known that there was gas in the Barnett Shale, but it was very difficult to get it out. Mitchell did not invent the fracking technologies. He just wanted to get the gas out of the shale. And as the owner of an oil company, he got to challenge the technical people. He basically said, "If you guys can't figure it out, I'll find someone who can." He had the power and the money and the persistence to make it work. Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. began working on the problem in 1981, and it took until 1999 to figure it all out. The company sold for $3.5 billion ($3.5B) in 2001! It is inspiring.
TER: Were other companies trying to develop fracking?
JL: The conventional wisdom did not comprehend what George Mitchell was attempting; some folks thought he was crazy. And since some visionaries fail, we need to celebrate the ones who are successful. He grew to be very wealthy as an oilman, but he had also read the book, "Jim Letourneau is the founder and editor of the Big Picture Speculator and is a geologist living in Calgary, Alberta. He is an early-stage investor in energy, metals, biotech and technology companies. He speaks at investment conferences across North America.
DISCLOSURE:
1) Peter Byrne conducted this interview for The Energy Report and provides services to The Energy Report as an independent contractor. He or his family own shares of the following companies mentioned in this interview: None.
2) The following companies mentioned in the interview are sponsors of The Energy Report: Zodiac Exploration Inc. and Big Sky Petroleum Corp. Streetwise Reports does not accept stock in exchange for its services or as sponsorship payment.
3) Jim Letourneau: I or my family own shares of the following companies mentioned in this interview: Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. and Shoal Point Energy Ltd. I personally am or my family is paid by the following companies mentioned in this interview: None. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this interview: Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. and Shoal Point Energy Ltd. I was not paid by Streetwise Reports for participating in this interview. Comments and opinions expressed are my own comments and opinions. I had the opportunity to review the interview for accuracy as of the date of the interview and am responsible for the content of the interview.
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