Steven T. Anderson
Steven Anderson is a Research Economist with the USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center in Reston, VA.
Science and Products
Economics of Energy Transitions
This task conducts research to characterize or evaluate the economics of developing technologies or markets in geologic resources. Such research can analyze the relative risks, costs, and benefits from the utilization and not just the extraction of underground resource. Economic analysis builds upon the geologic resource assessment work by other tasks in the Utilization of Carbon and other Energy...
Economics, Energy Resources, and Future Energy Supply
The members of this project have prepared a number of analyses that constitute the economic components of energy resource assessments. They have also proposed enhancements to geologic assessment data and methods that make results of assessments immediately amenable to economic analysis. In addition, they apply theoretically sound valuation methodologies to assess the commercial value of currently...
Economics of Global Marginal Hydrocarbon and Non-traditional Resources
During the last decade many producing countries have reassigned conventional oil and gas development rights to their national oil companies (NOCs). In fact the 13 largest energy companies, when measured by oil and gas reserves, are controlled by sovereign governments. The result is that the NOC’s will control a significant share of future oil and gas production. The international oil companies...
Economics of U.S. Oil and Gas Resources
The U.S. Geological Survey prepares geologic assessments of undiscovered and undeveloped (identified) oil and gas resources (see National Oil and Gas Assessment website). In addition to our USGS oil and gas geologic assessments, economic research gives policymakers and analysts in the private sector additional information by scaling economic variables. Economic attributes must include the costs of...
Multiphase simulations of CO2 injectivity with and without brine extraction constrained by brine reinjectivity to optimize CO2 storage in the Illinois Basin Multiphase simulations of CO2 injectivity with and without brine extraction constrained by brine reinjectivity to optimize CO2 storage in the Illinois Basin
We developed a methodology to estimate maximum CO2 injection rates in subsurface layers across wide geographic areas using inverse modeling-based optimization techniques. We first defined geographic areas where groundwater was too saline to meet the standard for drinking water and where sufficient confining units existed above and below the injection layers. We then assumed concurrent...
Optimization simulations to estimate maximum brine injection rates in the Illinois Basin Optimization simulations to estimate maximum brine injection rates in the Illinois Basin
We developed a methodology to estimate maximum brine injection rates in subsurface formations across wide geographic areas using inverse modeling-based optimization techniques. We first defined geographic areas where groundwater was too saline to meet the standard for drinking water and where sufficient confining units existed above and below the injection layers. We then assumed...
Geologic formations and mine locations for potential CO2 mineralization Geologic formations and mine locations for potential CO2 mineralization
This geodatabase contains geologic unit boundaries and asbestos site locations shown in "Carbon dioxide mineralization feasibility in the United States" (Blondes and others, 2019). Data was compiled from source material at a scale range of 1:100,000 to 1:5,000,000 and is not intended for any greater detail.
Filter Total Items: 34
Estimation of dynamic geologic CO2 storage resources in the Illinois Basin, including effects of brine extraction, anisotropy, and hydrogeologic heterogeneity Estimation of dynamic geologic CO2 storage resources in the Illinois Basin, including effects of brine extraction, anisotropy, and hydrogeologic heterogeneity
Since the vast majority of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage resources in the United States are in deep saline aquifers, optimizing the use of these saline storage resources could be crucial for efficient development of geologic CO2 storage (GCS) resources and basin- or larger-scale deployment of GCS in the country. Maximum CO2 injection rates can be enhanced by extracting brine from the CO2...
Authors
Michelle Plampin, Steven Anderson, Stefan Finsterle, Ashton Wiens
Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) Prediction for Eagle Ford Shale using integrated datasets and artificial neural networks Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) Prediction for Eagle Ford Shale using integrated datasets and artificial neural networks
The estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) is an important parameter for forecasting oil and gas production and informing decisions regarding field development strategies. In this study, we combined site-specific geologic, completion, and operational parameters with the predictive capabilities of machine learning (ML) models to predict EURs of the wells for the Eagle Ford Marl Continuous Oil...
Authors
C. Karacan, Steven Anderson, Steven M. Cahan
Managing basin-scale carbon sequestration: A tragedy of the commons approach Managing basin-scale carbon sequestration: A tragedy of the commons approach
The Tragedy of the Commons is a well studied problem in the literature of ecology, economics, and environmental policy which illustrates the deleterious consequences of managing common pool resources when individual and social incentives are misaligned. In this work, we apply a simple model of carbon sequestration in a deep saline aquifer by two neighboring geologic CO2 storage (GCS)...
Authors
Joseph Duggan, Jonathan Ogland-Hand, Steven Anderson, Richard Middleton
Linking dissolved organic matter composition to landscape properties in wetlands across the United States of America Linking dissolved organic matter composition to landscape properties in wetlands across the United States of America
Wetlands are integral to the global carbon cycle, serving as both a source and a sink for organic carbon. Their potential for carbon storage will likely change in the coming decades in response to higher temperatures and variable precipitation patterns. We characterized the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition from 12 different wetland sites...
Authors
Martin Kurek, Kimberly Wickland, Natalie Nichols, Amy McKenna, Steven Anderson, Mark Dornblaser, Nikaan Koupaie-Abyazani, Brett A. Poulin, Sheel Bansal, Jason Fellman, Gregory Druschel, Emily S. Bernhardt, Robert G.M. Spencer
Energy-related rare earth element sources Energy-related rare earth element sources
Energy-related materials such as coal, coal-bearing wastes, and coal combustion products are traditionally thought of as sources or by-products of electric power generation. Increasingly, these materials are considered resources for their content of rare earth elements (REEs) and other useful constituents. In this chapter, we examine the distribution, modes of occurrence, and relative...
Authors
Allan Kolker, Liliana Lefticariu, Steven Anderson
Geologic energy storage Geologic energy storage
Introduction As the United States transitions away from fossil fuels, its economy will rely on more renewable energy. Because current renewable energy sources sometimes produce variable power supplies, it is important to store energy for use when power supply drops below power demand. Battery storage is one method to store power. However, geologic (underground) energy storage may be able...
Authors
Marc L. Buursink, Steven Anderson, Sean T. Brennan, Erick R. Burns, Philip A. Freeman, Joao Gallotti, Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew D. Merrill, Eric A. Morrissey, Michelle Plampin, Peter D. Warwick
Dynamic estimates of geologic CO2 storage resources in the Illinois Basin constrained by reinjectivity of brine extracted for pressure management Dynamic estimates of geologic CO2 storage resources in the Illinois Basin constrained by reinjectivity of brine extracted for pressure management
Geologic carbon storage (GCS) is likely to be an important part of global efforts to decarbonize the energy industry. Widespread deployment of GCS relies on strategies to maximize CO2 injection rates while minimizing reservoir pressurization that could induce seismicity and/or fluid leakage into groundwater resources. Brine extraction from CO2 storage formations with subsurface...
Authors
Michelle Plampin, Steven Anderson, Steven M. Cahan, Stefan Finsterle
Estimating the net costs of brine production and disposal to expand pressure-limited dynamic capacity for basin-scale CO2 storage in a saline formation Estimating the net costs of brine production and disposal to expand pressure-limited dynamic capacity for basin-scale CO2 storage in a saline formation
If carbon capture and storage (CCS) needs to be deployed at basin- or larger-scale, it is likely that multiple sites will be injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into the same geologic formation. This could lead to excessive pressure buildup, overlapping induced pressure fronts, and pressure interference with neighboring uses of the subsurface. Extracting the in situ brine from the storage...
Authors
Steven Anderson, Hossein Jahediesfanjani
Estimating market conditions for potential entry of new sources of anthropogenic CO2 for EOR in the Permian Basin Estimating market conditions for potential entry of new sources of anthropogenic CO2 for EOR in the Permian Basin
This study attempts to determine feasible carbon dioxide (CO2) price thresholds for entry of new sources of anthropogenic (man-made) CO2 for utilization in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the Permian Basin. Much of the discussion about carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has focused on the high costs of carbon capture as the major barrier to entry of new anthropogenic sources...
Authors
Steven Anderson, Steven M. Cahan
Improving pressure-limited CO2 storage capacity in saline formations by means of brine extraction Improving pressure-limited CO2 storage capacity in saline formations by means of brine extraction
The carbon dioxide (CO2) storage capacity of saline formations may be constrained by reservoir pressure limitations. Brine extraction could be necessary to increase the CO2 storage capacity of a given formation, manage the extent of the underground CO2 plume and induced pressure front, and control the migration direction. To estimate the additional CO2 storage capacity of a saline...
Authors
Hossein Jahediesfanjani, Steven Anderson, Peter D. Warwick
Estimating the pressure-limited dynamic capacity and costs of basin-scale CO2 storage in a Saline Formation Estimating the pressure-limited dynamic capacity and costs of basin-scale CO2 storage in a Saline Formation
Deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) could be necessary to be able to satisfy baseload electricity demand, maintain diversity in the energy mix, and achieve mitigation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at lowest cost (IPCC, 2015; U.S. DOE, 2016). If basin-, regional- or national-scale deployment of CCS is needed, it may be possible to store only a small fraction of the captured...
Authors
Steven Anderson, Hossein Jahediesfanjani
Carbon dioxide mineralization feasibility in the United States Carbon dioxide mineralization feasibility in the United States
Geologic carbon dioxide (CO2) storage is one of many methods for stabilizing the increasing concentration of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere. The injection of CO2 in deep subsurface sedimentary reservoirs is the most commonly discussed method; however, the potential for CO2 leakage can create long-term stability concerns. This report discusses the feasibility of an alternative form of...
Authors
Madalyn S. Blondes, Matthew D. Merrill, Steven Anderson, Christina DeVera
Non-USGS Publications**
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting, 13-16 February 2020, Seattle WA.
Anderson, S.T. 2015. “The Mineral Industry of Hungary.” Area reports—International—Europe and Central Eurasia: U.S. Geological Survey Minerals Yearbook 2012, v. III, February 27, p. 20.1–20.7. IP-064154.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Economics of Energy Transitions
This task conducts research to characterize or evaluate the economics of developing technologies or markets in geologic resources. Such research can analyze the relative risks, costs, and benefits from the utilization and not just the extraction of underground resource. Economic analysis builds upon the geologic resource assessment work by other tasks in the Utilization of Carbon and other Energy...
Economics, Energy Resources, and Future Energy Supply
The members of this project have prepared a number of analyses that constitute the economic components of energy resource assessments. They have also proposed enhancements to geologic assessment data and methods that make results of assessments immediately amenable to economic analysis. In addition, they apply theoretically sound valuation methodologies to assess the commercial value of currently...
Economics of Global Marginal Hydrocarbon and Non-traditional Resources
During the last decade many producing countries have reassigned conventional oil and gas development rights to their national oil companies (NOCs). In fact the 13 largest energy companies, when measured by oil and gas reserves, are controlled by sovereign governments. The result is that the NOC’s will control a significant share of future oil and gas production. The international oil companies...
Economics of U.S. Oil and Gas Resources
The U.S. Geological Survey prepares geologic assessments of undiscovered and undeveloped (identified) oil and gas resources (see National Oil and Gas Assessment website). In addition to our USGS oil and gas geologic assessments, economic research gives policymakers and analysts in the private sector additional information by scaling economic variables. Economic attributes must include the costs of...
Multiphase simulations of CO2 injectivity with and without brine extraction constrained by brine reinjectivity to optimize CO2 storage in the Illinois Basin Multiphase simulations of CO2 injectivity with and without brine extraction constrained by brine reinjectivity to optimize CO2 storage in the Illinois Basin
We developed a methodology to estimate maximum CO2 injection rates in subsurface layers across wide geographic areas using inverse modeling-based optimization techniques. We first defined geographic areas where groundwater was too saline to meet the standard for drinking water and where sufficient confining units existed above and below the injection layers. We then assumed concurrent...
Optimization simulations to estimate maximum brine injection rates in the Illinois Basin Optimization simulations to estimate maximum brine injection rates in the Illinois Basin
We developed a methodology to estimate maximum brine injection rates in subsurface formations across wide geographic areas using inverse modeling-based optimization techniques. We first defined geographic areas where groundwater was too saline to meet the standard for drinking water and where sufficient confining units existed above and below the injection layers. We then assumed...
Geologic formations and mine locations for potential CO2 mineralization Geologic formations and mine locations for potential CO2 mineralization
This geodatabase contains geologic unit boundaries and asbestos site locations shown in "Carbon dioxide mineralization feasibility in the United States" (Blondes and others, 2019). Data was compiled from source material at a scale range of 1:100,000 to 1:5,000,000 and is not intended for any greater detail.
Filter Total Items: 34
Estimation of dynamic geologic CO2 storage resources in the Illinois Basin, including effects of brine extraction, anisotropy, and hydrogeologic heterogeneity Estimation of dynamic geologic CO2 storage resources in the Illinois Basin, including effects of brine extraction, anisotropy, and hydrogeologic heterogeneity
Since the vast majority of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage resources in the United States are in deep saline aquifers, optimizing the use of these saline storage resources could be crucial for efficient development of geologic CO2 storage (GCS) resources and basin- or larger-scale deployment of GCS in the country. Maximum CO2 injection rates can be enhanced by extracting brine from the CO2...
Authors
Michelle Plampin, Steven Anderson, Stefan Finsterle, Ashton Wiens
Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) Prediction for Eagle Ford Shale using integrated datasets and artificial neural networks Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) Prediction for Eagle Ford Shale using integrated datasets and artificial neural networks
The estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) is an important parameter for forecasting oil and gas production and informing decisions regarding field development strategies. In this study, we combined site-specific geologic, completion, and operational parameters with the predictive capabilities of machine learning (ML) models to predict EURs of the wells for the Eagle Ford Marl Continuous Oil...
Authors
C. Karacan, Steven Anderson, Steven M. Cahan
Managing basin-scale carbon sequestration: A tragedy of the commons approach Managing basin-scale carbon sequestration: A tragedy of the commons approach
The Tragedy of the Commons is a well studied problem in the literature of ecology, economics, and environmental policy which illustrates the deleterious consequences of managing common pool resources when individual and social incentives are misaligned. In this work, we apply a simple model of carbon sequestration in a deep saline aquifer by two neighboring geologic CO2 storage (GCS)...
Authors
Joseph Duggan, Jonathan Ogland-Hand, Steven Anderson, Richard Middleton
Linking dissolved organic matter composition to landscape properties in wetlands across the United States of America Linking dissolved organic matter composition to landscape properties in wetlands across the United States of America
Wetlands are integral to the global carbon cycle, serving as both a source and a sink for organic carbon. Their potential for carbon storage will likely change in the coming decades in response to higher temperatures and variable precipitation patterns. We characterized the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition from 12 different wetland sites...
Authors
Martin Kurek, Kimberly Wickland, Natalie Nichols, Amy McKenna, Steven Anderson, Mark Dornblaser, Nikaan Koupaie-Abyazani, Brett A. Poulin, Sheel Bansal, Jason Fellman, Gregory Druschel, Emily S. Bernhardt, Robert G.M. Spencer
Energy-related rare earth element sources Energy-related rare earth element sources
Energy-related materials such as coal, coal-bearing wastes, and coal combustion products are traditionally thought of as sources or by-products of electric power generation. Increasingly, these materials are considered resources for their content of rare earth elements (REEs) and other useful constituents. In this chapter, we examine the distribution, modes of occurrence, and relative...
Authors
Allan Kolker, Liliana Lefticariu, Steven Anderson
Geologic energy storage Geologic energy storage
Introduction As the United States transitions away from fossil fuels, its economy will rely on more renewable energy. Because current renewable energy sources sometimes produce variable power supplies, it is important to store energy for use when power supply drops below power demand. Battery storage is one method to store power. However, geologic (underground) energy storage may be able...
Authors
Marc L. Buursink, Steven Anderson, Sean T. Brennan, Erick R. Burns, Philip A. Freeman, Joao Gallotti, Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew D. Merrill, Eric A. Morrissey, Michelle Plampin, Peter D. Warwick
Dynamic estimates of geologic CO2 storage resources in the Illinois Basin constrained by reinjectivity of brine extracted for pressure management Dynamic estimates of geologic CO2 storage resources in the Illinois Basin constrained by reinjectivity of brine extracted for pressure management
Geologic carbon storage (GCS) is likely to be an important part of global efforts to decarbonize the energy industry. Widespread deployment of GCS relies on strategies to maximize CO2 injection rates while minimizing reservoir pressurization that could induce seismicity and/or fluid leakage into groundwater resources. Brine extraction from CO2 storage formations with subsurface...
Authors
Michelle Plampin, Steven Anderson, Steven M. Cahan, Stefan Finsterle
Estimating the net costs of brine production and disposal to expand pressure-limited dynamic capacity for basin-scale CO2 storage in a saline formation Estimating the net costs of brine production and disposal to expand pressure-limited dynamic capacity for basin-scale CO2 storage in a saline formation
If carbon capture and storage (CCS) needs to be deployed at basin- or larger-scale, it is likely that multiple sites will be injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into the same geologic formation. This could lead to excessive pressure buildup, overlapping induced pressure fronts, and pressure interference with neighboring uses of the subsurface. Extracting the in situ brine from the storage...
Authors
Steven Anderson, Hossein Jahediesfanjani
Estimating market conditions for potential entry of new sources of anthropogenic CO2 for EOR in the Permian Basin Estimating market conditions for potential entry of new sources of anthropogenic CO2 for EOR in the Permian Basin
This study attempts to determine feasible carbon dioxide (CO2) price thresholds for entry of new sources of anthropogenic (man-made) CO2 for utilization in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the Permian Basin. Much of the discussion about carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has focused on the high costs of carbon capture as the major barrier to entry of new anthropogenic sources...
Authors
Steven Anderson, Steven M. Cahan
Improving pressure-limited CO2 storage capacity in saline formations by means of brine extraction Improving pressure-limited CO2 storage capacity in saline formations by means of brine extraction
The carbon dioxide (CO2) storage capacity of saline formations may be constrained by reservoir pressure limitations. Brine extraction could be necessary to increase the CO2 storage capacity of a given formation, manage the extent of the underground CO2 plume and induced pressure front, and control the migration direction. To estimate the additional CO2 storage capacity of a saline...
Authors
Hossein Jahediesfanjani, Steven Anderson, Peter D. Warwick
Estimating the pressure-limited dynamic capacity and costs of basin-scale CO2 storage in a Saline Formation Estimating the pressure-limited dynamic capacity and costs of basin-scale CO2 storage in a Saline Formation
Deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) could be necessary to be able to satisfy baseload electricity demand, maintain diversity in the energy mix, and achieve mitigation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at lowest cost (IPCC, 2015; U.S. DOE, 2016). If basin-, regional- or national-scale deployment of CCS is needed, it may be possible to store only a small fraction of the captured...
Authors
Steven Anderson, Hossein Jahediesfanjani
Carbon dioxide mineralization feasibility in the United States Carbon dioxide mineralization feasibility in the United States
Geologic carbon dioxide (CO2) storage is one of many methods for stabilizing the increasing concentration of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere. The injection of CO2 in deep subsurface sedimentary reservoirs is the most commonly discussed method; however, the potential for CO2 leakage can create long-term stability concerns. This report discusses the feasibility of an alternative form of...
Authors
Madalyn S. Blondes, Matthew D. Merrill, Steven Anderson, Christina DeVera
Non-USGS Publications**
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting, 13-16 February 2020, Seattle WA.
Anderson, S.T. 2015. “The Mineral Industry of Hungary.” Area reports—International—Europe and Central Eurasia: U.S. Geological Survey Minerals Yearbook 2012, v. III, February 27, p. 20.1–20.7. IP-064154.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.