Here are the Special Guest, Industry Experts and Community Leaders in the episode of This Week In Energy for January 25, 2025:
Nate Washburn, Energy Information Administration, gives weekly updates on natural gas, propane, diesel and unleaded gasoline prices for the week.
The average retail price for home heating oil rose 14 cents from last week to $3.94 per gallon. That's down 6.1 cents from a year ago, based on the residential heating fuel survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Heating oil prices in the New England region are at $3.93 per gallon, up 12.6 cents from last week, but down 4.3 cents from a year ago.
The average retail price for propane is $2.72 per gallon, up 9.2 cents from last week's price, and up 15 cents from a year ago, based on the residential heating fuel survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Propane prices in the Midwest region averaged $2.23 per gallon, up 9.8 cents from last week, and up 13.2 cents from a year ago.
The U.S. average retail price for on-highway diesel fuel increased to $3.72 a gallon on Monday. That's up 11.3 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Peter Kearl, a Grand Junction inventor, is working to restart oil shale with an amazing efficiency.
Using equipment small enough to be loaded onto two trucks traversing the surface could result in minimal surface disturbance, said Kearl, a Grand Valley native who heads Qmast LLC, the company pursuing the project.
Microwave fracking, a novel technology in oil and gas extraction, is emerging as a potential alternative to traditional hydraulic fracturing (fracking). This technique uses microwave energy to extract hydrocarbons from unconventional reservoirs like oil shale, aiming to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Here’s how it works:
The Process
Deployment of Microwave Emitters
High-power microwave emitters are deployed into the reservoir through wellbores. These devices generate and transmit microwave energy deep into the rock formation.Heating the Rock Formation
Microwaves heat the rock and any water molecules trapped within it. This heating occurs because microwaves cause polar molecules, such as water, to oscillate rapidly, creating heat through friction. The generated heat can reach temperatures high enough to vaporize trapped hydrocarbons or weaken the rock’s structure.Fragmentation and Hydrocarbon Release
The intense heating causes thermal stress, weakening the rock and facilitating the release of hydrocarbons. In some cases, the hydrocarbons may be vaporized and transported to the surface in gaseous form, eliminating the need for traditional fracturing fluids.Recovery of Resources
Released hydrocarbons are captured and transported to the surface for processing. Unlike hydraulic fracturing, this method doesn’t rely on high-pressure water or chemical injections, significantly reducing water usage and associated environmental risks.
Unlike hydraulic fracking, microwave fracking doesn’t require large volumes of water, making it suitable for arid regions. There are reduced environmental impact in other areas too.
The absence of chemical additives and lower risk of groundwater contamination make it a greener alternative. Plus enhanced efficiency can occur when microwave energy selectively heats the target area, minimizing the energy wasted on non-productive zones.
While promising, microwave fracking is still in its developmental phase. Challenges include the high energy requirements, the cost of deploying microwave equipment, and the need to optimize its application for various geological conditions. However, ongoing research and development could position this technology as a game-changer for the energy industry.
Human trafficking, a modern form of slavery, devastates countless lives worldwide, including in rural areas like North Dakota. The 31:8 Project is at the forefront of combating this issue by raising awareness, educating communities, and supporting survivors.
Founded by Stacy Schaffer, the 31:8 Project aims to illuminate the realities of human trafficking through education and advocacy. The name derives from Proverbs 31:8, which calls for speaking out for those who cannot.
Schaffer's passion for the cause began during her studies at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, and evolved into a robust initiative that has reached thousands across the state and beyond.
Community Education: The 31:8 Project organizes workshops and seminars to educate communities about the signs and risks of human trafficking. This is crucial in rural areas where awareness is limited.
Support for Survivors: Beyond awareness, the organization provides resources and support to trafficking survivors, helping them rebuild their lives.
Collaborations: The project works with law enforcement, schools, and healthcare professionals to identify victims and prevent trafficking. Such partnerships ensure a united front against this crime.
Public Campaigns: By sharing stories and statistics, the project sheds light on the prevalence of trafficking in North Dakota, where 760 victims have been reported since 2016.
The 31:8 Project has profoundly influenced public understanding of human trafficking, equipping communities with tools to recognize and combat this crime. As awareness grows, so does the collective ability to protect vulnerable populations and support survivors.
By fostering awareness and mobilizing action, the 31:8 Project stands as a vital force in the fight against human trafficking. Their dedication reminds us that awareness is the first step toward change—and that every voice matters in this fight for freedom.
Otis, a TWIE Energy Ambassador, interviews Kathy Neset, founder of NESET
Kathy Neset is a notable figure in the energy sector, serving as the President of NESET Consulting, a geological and engineering consulting firm based in Tioga, North Dakota. With a strong background in geology, Neset began her career as a seismologist in Michigan.
Her career took a significant turn in the summer of 1979 when she relocated to North Dakota, where she immersed herself in the oil and gas industry. In 1980, she established NESET Consulting, which has since been a prominent player in the region's energy sector for over four decades.
Throughout her career, Neset has been recognized for her contributions to energy development and her role in advancing geological practices. She has earned a reputation for her expertise and leadership in a challenging and dynamic industry, making her a key advocate for sustainable energy practices and innovation in the oil and gas field.
Steve Virant, recently published an engaging children's book about the oil and gas industry, focusing on the role of a Landman.
Inspired by the birth of his daughter, Steve noticed a lack of children's book about his job and decided to bridge the gap.
"My goal was to create an enjoyable experience centered on the unique career of being a Landman," Virant said. “I wrote it once my daughter was born, she'll be three (years old) in March, but the whole thing was written when she was born in her first couple of months.”
Being this was Virant’s first book he’s ever written and being overcome with parental pride and professional pedigree, the language may be a bit advanced for a 1-year-old. Something Virant understood and have even heard that comment from his friends and family.
“Fortunately, I was able to mix in the rhyming that makes it a little more for a child,” Virant said. “And then also the watercolor pictures kind of, again, make the illustrations more childlike.”
Virant even added a glossary in the back for reference.
“I have gotten feedback from people that say, this is great for adults too,” Virant said. “They're like, my spouse finally knows what I do for a living. My wife even said that to me too.”
The publication is beautifully illustrated to capture the imagination of young readers ages one to five, but is appropriate for children of all ages. A Baby’s Guide to Being a Petroleum Landman is available on Amazon.
Energy companies who would like to CO-BRAND their business with A Baby’s Guide To Being A Petroleum Landman, contact Virant for custom orders.
Part 3 of This Week In Energy’s interview with Landman Co-Creator Christian Wallace. He is a versatile screenwriter, journalist, and storyteller from West Texas, renowned for his deep insights into American life and culture. Hailing from the small town of Andrews, Texas, Wallace's roots are intertwined with the hardworking ethos of his family, who are cotton farmers, oil field workers, and cowboys. His upbringing in a region shaped by the oil and gas industry provided him with an authentic perspective on the lives and challenges of those connected to the energy sector.
“I grew up in a small town called Andrews. My family are cotton farmers, oil field hands, and working cowboys,” Wallace said.
Wallace pursued higher education with dual BAs in History and English from Texas State University in San Marcos. He further honed his craft by earning a master's degree in writing from the University of Galway in Ireland, combining his passion for history and storytelling into a unique narrative style.
As a journalist, Wallace gained recognition for his work with Texas Monthly and other notable publications, delving into topics ranging from rural culture to the complexities of the energy industry.
“I reported, wrote, and hosted Boomtown, a podcast about the Permian Basin. The series topped the Apple Podcasts chart in the documentary category and has more than five million downloads,” Wallace said. “Taylor Sheridan and I co-created a Paramount+ series loosely based on Boomtown called “Landman”. The show debuted on November 17, 2024.”
Executive Coach Joe Sinnott energizes This Week In Energy with sustainable solutions for energy leaders in today’s world.
Notre Dame hasn’t beaten Ohio State since 1936!
But ND did score a big victory over OSU in a 1960s recruiting battle that not only brought All-American receiver Thom Gatewood to South Bend, but also turned Thom into an enthusiastic Notre Dame advocate that helped attract future talent to the university.
That being said, Gatewood's story isn't just a nice footnote in the lead-up to Monday's national championship game—it's a game plan for a differentiated, 3-step approach that you can use to more effectively attract and retain talent:
1 - Quit trying to keep up with the Joneses.
ND's coach, Ara Parseghian, won over Gatewood with an understated, guarantee-free pitch emphasizing hard work and grit—a very different pitch compared to what other coaches were telling Thom (and a VERY VERY different pitch compared to today's recruiting environment).
2 - Build genuine connections between top talent and senior leadership.
After arriving on campus, Gatewood developed a relationship with ND’s president, Fr. Ted Hesburgh, dispelling any notion that Thom was merely a cog at some large institution. In fact, Thom learned first-hand that he was an integral part of the unique mission and vision that Father Ted had for Notre Dame; and that bond inspired Thom to become a lifelong, enthusiastic promoter of ND.
3 - Showcase a merit-based approach to accolades and opportunities.
Thom Gatewood wasn't appointed as Notre Dame's first Black football captain; he was voted in by his teammates, based on his effort, leadership, and trustworthiness. Compare that to organizations where promotions are perceived (rightly or wrongly) as driven by politics, favoritism, or some short-sighted guarantee that a manager feels forced to abide by.
To listen to entire episode of The Energy Detox with Joe Sinnott, click here
Warren Martin, Kansas Strong, reviews and reacts to the latest episode of Landman, streaming exclusively on Paramount +. Landman episode 10 is titled “Crumbs of Hope.”.
It’s the season finale of Landman, and Monty is still dying. As a recording of conservative commentator Paul Harvey plays over a montage of one hundred years of petroleum production – “oil is the paramount factor in the political economies of the day” – we fade to Monty’s emergency open heart surgery, and the reality that he will be incapacitated even if he makes it through.
As Paul Harvey alluded to, and Tommy Norris understands, even if oil men die, oil companies don’t. Not as long as demand keeps knocking. With Cami Miller’s blessing, Tommy accepts the position of M-TEX president. And as president, his first order of business will be to sell a parcel of leased oil land worth almost two hundred million dollars.
Operating on the principle of WWMD (What Would Monty Do), Tommy will rally Rebecca and Nate to help him paper the deal. Result? M-TEX clears $800 million in six months. Or? Circumstances change, oil drops below $60 a barrel, and they’re all out of work in the same amount of time.
Currently there is no official confirmation on a Landman Season 2. But we’re gonna gamble and say it’s a sure thing, especially since Taylor Sheridan has written this season finale to be so open-ended. Yeah, Tommy’s prez now. But he’s still at odds with Rebecca over their threat-trading from Episode 8.
Singer Songwriter featured this week:
Alma Lynn Cook is an American singer-songwriter and spoken word artist professionally known as Alma Cook. Her debut album Pass It On was released in 2012, and her single “For a Poet” and full-length project Tactics followed in 2014.
Cook grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and attended Columbia College in Chicago. After college, she began playing at various clubs and festivals across the United States, opening for acts including contemporary gospel musician Jonathan McReynolds and Christian rapper George Moss.
Cook released an EP titled Pass It On in September 2012, followed by the single “For a Poet,” which charted at No. 2 on Rádio Nova Portugal in December 2014. She later released the full-length album Tactics, produced by bassist Chris Thigpen, whose father Cornell Thigpen (Mary J. Blige, Chaka Kahn, Stevie Nicks, and Patti LaBelle) played organ on the song “Hotshot.”
An album review by The Phantom Tollbooth magazine said of Cook’s performance on Tactics, “Alma has the vocal innocence of Amber Rubarth combined with vocal qualities rivaling Denise Donatelli.”
As of 2021, Cook was a podcast host and co-director of cultural engagement for Braver Angels, an American nonprofit focused on political depolarization. She was noted by Forbes as a conservative.
In addition to her work as a musician, Cook owns an oil and gas compliance company, Cook Compliance Solutions, based in Williston, North Dakota with a satellite office in Houston, TX.
The business works with oilfield service providers looking to obtain the right safety certifications, insurance and other measures needed to contract under larger oil companies.
Click here to support Alma Cook’s Energy Compliance Company
Click here to support Alma Cook’s Music Career
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