Cook Inlet Natural Gas

Cook Inlet natural gas supplies much of the heating and electricity for Southcentral Alaska. Production in the basin began after the Swanson River discovery in 1958, and a state forecast published in January 2023 examined how long supply could meet demand.[1]

History

Oil and gas production in the basin began after the discovery of the Swanson River field in 1958. By December 31, 2021, the basin had produced 8,876 billion cubic feet of gas and 1.4 billion barrels of oil.[1]

Reserves and forecast

The state Division of Oil and Gas estimated about 820 billion cubic feet of remaining proved gas in 2022, giving an estimated ultimate recovery of 9,696 billion cubic feet. Under the study’s assumptions, Cook Inlet gas could meet current demand until about 2027, the body text says 2026 to 2027, after which economic production falls below 70 billion cubic feet a year. The forecast began on January 1, 2022, and was published in January 2023, so later figures may differ.[1]

Demand

Demand is about 70 billion cubic feet a year, based on the 2016 to 2021 average. It comes from residential, commercial and electric customers, oil and gas operations and the Interior Gas Utility, with Enstar Natural Gas Company and Chugach Electric Association among the major buyers. The proposed Donlin Gold project could add about 12 billion cubic feet a year.[1]

FAQs

When did Cook Inlet production begin? After the 1958 Swanson River discovery.

What is annual demand? About 70 billion cubic feet.

Who are the big buyers? Utilities such as Enstar and Chugach Electric.

Sources

1. Alaska Division of Oil and Gas: Cook Inlet Gas Forecast Report 2022

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue