Research
Gulf Coast Framework Studies, Geochemistry, Geologic CO2 Utilization, Economics, Environmental Aspects, and more
Gulf Coast Framework Studies, Geochemistry, Geologic CO2 Utilization, Economics, Environmental Aspects, and more
Energy Resources Program
The Energy Resources Program conducts research and assessments to advance the understanding of the Nation’s energy resources. We study processes critical to the formation, accumulation, occurrence and alteration of geologically based energy resources; prepare resource assessments; and evaluate the environmental and socioeconomic effects of energy resource occurrence, production and use.
Our Science
Our Science
Understanding the national and global availability of resources as well as the environmental impacts of their development is essential for strategic decision making related to the nation’s energy mix.
Energy Quarterly
Energy Quarterly
This quarterly newsletter highlights the latest Energy Resources Program research, activities, publications, and information resources available from our website and other sources.
SCIENCE PRIORITIES
SCIENCE PRIORITIES
News
Traversing the Sea for Science: How USGS Uses the Federal Fleet to Study Natural Hazards, Resources, and More
Traversing the Sea for Science: How USGS Uses the Federal Fleet to Study Natural Hazards, Resources, and More
USGS makes $10 million available for state geologic, geochemical mapping projects through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-Funded Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
USGS makes $10 million available for state geologic, geochemical mapping projects through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-Funded Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
USGS Releases Estimate of Conventional Oil and Gas Resources in North Chukchi Basin
USGS Releases Estimate of Conventional Oil and Gas Resources in North Chukchi Basin
Publications
Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources of the Black Sea area, 2023
Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 2.3 billion barrels of oil and 105.5 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Black Sea area.
Decoding paleomire conditions of Paleogene superhigh-organic-sulfur coals
Superhigh-organic‑sulfur (SHOS) coals (coals with organic sulfur content >4 wt%) are unique coal deposits found at a few notable locations in the world. Specific peat accumulation and preservation conditions must be met to form SHOS coals. Organic sulfur is a major constituent of such coals, and it may have various sources depending on the prevailing paleomire conditions. Understanding such paleom
Utica/point pleasant brine isotopic compositions (δ7Li, δ11B, δ138Ba) elucidate mechanisms of lithium enrichment in the Appalachian Basin
Global Li production will require a ~500 % increase to meet 2050 projected energy storage demands. One potential source is oil and gas wastewater (i.e., produced water or brine), which naturally has high total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations, that can also be enriched in Li (>100 mg/L). Understanding the sources and mechanisms responsible for high naturally-occurring Li concentrations can ai
Science
Oil and Gas Waters Project
The primary objective of this project is to provide information on the volume, quality, impacts, and possible uses of water produced during generation and development of energy resources (particularly hydrocarbons) as well as related fluids injected into reservoirs for energy development and associated waste disposal. The purpose of this work is to address scientific and societal questions...
Orphan Wells
The Orphan Wells Project conducts research on orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells across the nation to better understand the extent of methane emissions and ongoing risks to groundwater contamination. The goal of this research is to provide information that can support prioritizing orphan wells for plugging, and repurposing wells for uses such as new hydrocarbon production, carbon capture and...
Solar Energy
The United States Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Database (USPVDB) provides the locations and array boundaries of U.S. ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) facilities with capacity of 1 megawatt or more. It includes corresponding PV facility information, including panel type, site type, and initial year of operation. The creation of this database was jointly funded by the U.S. Department of Energy...