Dr. Roger Sassen, Deputy Director, Resource Geosciences

Debz DeFreitas, Research Associate

Resource Geosciences (RG) is the applied and basic energy research group of the Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG). RG conducts specialized research for energy companies, impacting ongoing exploration for conventional hydrocarbon energy in the active ultra-deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and other areas such as Angola, Brazil, Namibia, Nigeria, and Norway. The main research projects have been in the development of geochemical techniques to gather maximum information from natural seeps and vents of gas and oil, high grading exploration areas in terms of hydrocarbon charge and oil resource value. These factors affect the economics of both exploration and exploitation of conventional fossil fuels. In addition, Resource Geosciences receives support from the energy industry and government to study alternative sources of energy such as deep-sea gas hydrate, which is important because the energy held in gas hydrate far exceeds that of conventional reserves of all fossil fuels on a national and global basis.

RG's vision centers on the role of Texas A&M University in the 21st century as the nation and globe approach the era of permanent decline in conventional energy production as demand for energy continues to exponentially increase. The era of permanent decline in domestic production of gas and oil is predicted to commence between 2010 and 2020. At that time, there could be a negative impact on the nation's economy and energy security. Thus, RG's research touches on national energy policy. The role of alternate energy sources is pivotal because there will likely be a period during which conventional energy production declines before a sustainable alternative energy source can be developed. Clean-burning methane from gas hydrate is envisioned as one potential alternate energy source that can bridge the gap as the nation advances to sustainable and environmentally clean energy production and utilization.