Energy technologies for offshore frontier areas

Disappointing exploration results in Arctic and deepwater areas have prompted the Department of the Interior to lower their estimates of economically recoverable oil and gas resources in the U.S. offshore. Exploration and development of these resources is financially risky because of the costly high-technology systems and large investments needed to operate in frontier areas. If the country is to meet future energy needs, the United States may need new strategies for encouraging development of offshore oil and gas resources in harsh environments.