Transformation in the Permian Basin
Permian Energy Development Lab guiding region through economic innovation
POWER REIMAGINED — The Permian Basin encompasses 66 counties between southeast New Mexico and West Texas. The region has a longstanding history with energy development, so community engagement is critical to success, said Thushara Gunda, Sandia’s technical lead for the Permian Energy Development Lab.
Stretching across 66 counties in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, the vast region known as the Permian Basin is a cornerstone of the U.S. energy economy.
The Permian Basin accounts for nearly half of U.S. crude oil production, and if it were a country, it would be one of the biggest oil producers in the world.
Having an economy so closely tied to the oil and gas industry presents certain challenges — especially as the United States seeks to lead in addressing global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The region’s skilled workforce and natural resources, however, also create opportunities for the region to reinforce its status as a leader in the new advanced energy economy.
The Permian Energy Development Lab, also known as PEDL, looks to foster those opportunities by bringing together industry, government and academic partners to advance energy development in ways that benefit both local communities and the country. Sandia has been involved with PEDL since its formation as a key technical adviser.
