Energy Expo | Video

Jennifer Joas | 11/19/2012

Oil companies are producing more than 700,000 barrels of oil a day from the Bakken. But that`s less than 10 percent of what could be recovered. That`s why companies are actively testing new technologies that could increase production.

State leaders say North Dakota is key to making the country energy independent. For companies like Statoil, that means investing in a new energy field like the Bakken by building more than 700 miles of pipeline and adding salt water disposal sites.

"At least 25 percent and perhaps as much as 50 percent in the future of the remaining resources in the world would have to be produced by unconventional methods," said Statoil Senior Vice President of U.S. Onshore Development Torstein Hole. "We have to be in this business to be a long term player."

Companies know the Bakken has potential. And the Energy Expo at BSC was about discussing ways to unlock that potential and ultimately produce more oil.

"The energy summit is fun because we get a chance to see a little bit of a glimpse to some of the breakthroughs and some of the new things that are coming in energy development in the next few years," said Governor Jack Dalrymple.

An executive from General Electric says they`re hoping to improve operations by using mobile electric units and water cleaning systems.

"There`s lots of things that I think can be done going forward to not only increase production, but to increase the efficiently and utilization of what is a great asset," said GE President of Global Sales and Marketing James Suciu.

In addition to exploring new technologies, companies and government officials agree infrastructure is lacking. The Statoil executive says cities in Norway went through the same challenges, and it`s important for communities and companies to work together.

The Governor is proposing an additional $2.5 billion for infrastructure in the next biennium.

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