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  • Willow is an oil project in Alaska’s North Slope
  • Willow will produce low emissions-intensity oil
  • Willow will not use “chillers” or freeze permafrost
  • Willow is supported by Alaska Native groups
  • Willow underwent five years of regulatory review
  • Willow will create jobs, revenues, and energy security
  • Willow will minimize environmental impact and coexist with wildlife

ConocoPhillips, one of the world’s leading exploration and production companies, has recently announced its final investment decision to develop the Willow project in Alaska. The Willow project is a major oil drilling project located on the plain of the North Slope of Alaska in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A), a federally designated area for petroleum development. The project is expected to produce approximately 600 million barrels of oil across its lifetime, decreasing American dependence on foreign energy supplies, and providing critical revenues for Alaska and Alaska Native communities.

Location

The Willow project is located on the plain of the North Slope of Alaska in the NPR-A, a 23-million-acre area that was set aside by Congress in 1923 for its oil and gas potential. The NPR-A is entirely on wetlands and is home to diverse range wildlife, such as caribou, polar bears, migratory birds, and many species of fish.

The Willow project will consist of up to five drill pads, for a total of 250 oil wells. The drill pads will be connected by gravel roads and pipelines to a central processing facility that will separate oil from water and gas. The oil will then be transported by pipeline to an existing pump station on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), which carries oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez.

The Willow project will cover about 2,000 acres of land within the NPR-A, or less than 0.01% of the total area. The project footprint will be minimized by using directional drilling techniques that allow multiple wells to be drilled from a single pad.

Challenges

The Willow project faces several technical and logistical challenges due to its remote location and harsh climate. The North Slope of Alaska experiences extreme temperatures, ranging from -50°F (-45°C) in winter to 80°F (27°C) in summer, as well as strong winds, snowstorms, and ice fog. The area is also prone to earthquakes, landslides, and permafrost thawing.

To overcome these challenges, ConocoPhillips has invested in extensive research, engineering, and testing to ensure the safety and reliability of its operations. The company has also partnered with local contractors, suppliers, and service providers who have experience working in Alaska’s unique environment.

Some of the specific challenges and solutions for the Willow project include:

  • Transporting materials and equipment to the site. ConocoPhillips will use ice roads and airstrips during winter months when the ground is frozen and stable. Ice roads are temporary roads made of compacted snow and ice that can support heavy loads without damaging the underlying tundra. Airstrips are also built on ice or gravel pads that can accommodate fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters.
  • Drilling through permafrost. Permafrost is frozen soil that covers most of the North Slope. Drilling through permafrost can cause thermal degradation or melting of the soil, which can affect well integrity and stability. ConocoPhillips will use insulated casings and cement to prevent heat transfer from the wellbore to the surrounding permafrost. The company will also monitor well performance and temperature using sensors and gauges.
  • Protecting wildlife habitat. The Willow project is located near important habitat areas for caribou, polar bears, and other wildlife. ConocoPhillips will implement various mitigation measures to avoid or minimize disturbance to wildlife, such as:
  • Timing construction and drilling activities to avoid sensitive periods for wildlife, such as calving, denning, and migration.
  • Using sound and visual deterrents to prevent wildlife from entering the project area.
  • Implementing a polar bear interaction plan that includes trained personnel, bear-proof facilities, and reporting protocols.
  • Conducting wildlife surveys and monitoring to assess the impact of the project on wildlife populations and behavior.

Expectations

The Willow project is expected to start producing oil in 2026 and reach peak production of 180,000 barrels per day in 2028. The project has an estimated life span of 30 years, with the possibility of extension if additional resources are discovered.

The Willow project will provide significant economic and social benefits for Alaska and the U.S., such as:

  • Creating jobs and income. The Willow project will create over 2,500 construction jobs and approximately 300 long-term jobs for Alaskans. The project will also support thousands of indirect and induced jobs in various sectors, such as transportation, manufacturing, and services. The average annual wage for oil and gas workers in Alaska is $141,000, more than twice the state average.
  • Generating revenues and taxes. The Willow project will generate $8 billion to $17 billion in new revenue for the federal government, the state of Alaska and Alaska Native communities over its lifetime. The revenue will come from royalties, production taxes, corporate income taxes, property taxes, and other fees. The revenue will help fund public services and programs, such as education, health care, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
  • Enhancing energy security and independence. The Willow project will decrease American dependence on foreign oil by increasing domestic production. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. imported about 5.9 million barrels per day of crude oil in 2022, accounting for 31% of total consumption. The Willow project will contribute about 1.6% of total U.S. production when it reaches peak output.

Regulatory Issues

The Willow project has undergone five years of rigorous regulatory and environmental review by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and other federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The review process involved extensive public input, scientific analysis, and consultation with Alaska Native tribes and organizations.

The DOI issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Willow project in March 2023, approving the project and authorizing the issuance of permits and leases. The ROD followed a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that evaluated the potential environmental effects of the project and identified mitigation measures to reduce or avoid adverse impacts.

The ROD was challenged by several environmental groups who filed lawsuits in federal court, alleging that the DOI violated various laws and regulations, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the Clean Water Act (CWA). The plaintiffs also sought injunctions to stop or delay the project.

However, the courts have ruled in favor of ConocoPhillips and the DOI in several cases, rejecting the plaintiffs’ claims and requests. For example:

  • In June 2023, a federal judge denied a motion for a preliminary injunction filed by Earthjustice on behalf of several environmental groups. The judge found that the plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits or irreparable harm.
  • In December 2023, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for an injunction filed by Trustees for Alaska on behalf of several environmental groups. The panel found that the plaintiffs did not raise serious questions going to the merits or demonstrate that an injunction was in the public interest.

ConocoPhillips has expressed confidence that it will prevail in any remaining legal challenges and proceed with the development of the Willow project.

Environmental Impact

The Willow project is designed to produce reliable, low emissions-intensity oil from a petroleum reserve that supports the energy transition and U.S. energy security. ConocoPhillips has committed to minimizing its environmental impact by using best practices, innovative technologies, and mitigation measures.

Some of the environmental aspects of the Willow project include:

  • Greenhouse gas emissions. The Willow project will emit about 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year when it reaches peak production, according to the FEIS. This represents about 0.02% of total U.S. emissions in 2022 (5.3 billion metric tons) or about 0.003% of global emissions in 2022 (33 billion metric tons), according to EIA data. ConocoPhillips has also pledged to reduce its operational greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 35% to 45% by 2030 from a 2017 baseline.
  • Air quality. The Willow project will comply with all applicable federal and state air quality standards and regulations. The FEIS estimated that the project will have negligible or minor impacts on air quality during construction and operation phases. ConocoPhillips will use low-emission equipment and vehicles, flare gas minimization technologies, dust suppression methods, and emission monitoring systems to reduce air pollutants.
  • Water quality. The Willow project will not discharge any wastewater or stormwater into surface waters or wetlands. The FEIS estimated that the project will have negligible or minor impacts on water quality during construction and operation phases. ConocoPhillips will use closed-loop systems for drilling fluids and produced water, secondary containment systems for oil storage tanks and pipelines, spill prevention and response plans, and water quality monitoring programs to protect water resources.
  • Wetlands and vegetation. The Willow project will avoid or minimize impacts on wetlands and vegetation by using existing infrastructure, minimizing new gravel roads and pads, restoring disturbed areas after construction, and implementing best management practices for erosion control and revegetation. The FEIS estimated that the project will have negligible or minor impacts on wetlands and vegetation during construction and operation phases.
  • Wildlife and subsistence. The Willow project will coexist with wildlife and subsistence activities on Alaska’s North Slope by using sound science, stakeholder input, and adaptive management. The FEIS estimated that the project will have negligible or minor impacts on wildlife and subsistence during construction and operation phases. ConocoPhillips will conduct extensive baseline studies, mitigation measures, monitoring programs, and coordination with Alaska Native communities to ensure the protection of wildlife resources and subsistence values.

ConocoPhillips employs approximately 9500 people. For current employment opportunities, visit https://careers.conocophillips.com/

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