Century of unconventional gas to require knowledge sharing, transfer
By Linda Hsieh, managing editor
The importance of sharing knowledge and experiences in unconventional oil and gas exploration and production was emphasized by all three speakers at the opening session of the 2012 IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology (APDT) Conference in Tianjin, China, on 9 July. “According to statistics, the world’s unconventional gas resources are 921 trillion cu meters, more than twice of conventional gas,” said Liao Yongyuan, VP of China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC). Mr Liao also served as chairman of the 2012 APDT conference, which was attended by nearly 500 delegates representing 25 countries.
“The current unconventional gas production only accounts for one-seventh of the total, which shows the broad prospects for future development,” Mr Liao said, calling the 21st century the century of unconventional gas.
“With the world becoming more diversified, all countries have strengthened oil and gas cooperation with each other. CNPC is committed to its international strategy and building an integrated international energy company,” he continued.
IADC president and CEO Stephen Colville also noted the need for everyone in the industry to learn from one another and to share information. “The world is looking at our industry not only to provide the energy they so desperately need but for us to provide it safely, cleanly and responsibly,” Mr Colville said. Doing this will require aggressive efforts in three main areas – technology, people, and systems and processes.
“In terms of technology, it’s around capability. Do we have sufficient technologies and new technologies where they are needed all around the world? In terms of people, do we have the new skills that are going to be required to develop these technologies? And in terms of systems and processes, will we be able to comply with the expectations?” Not only will the industry have to innovate, Mr Colville said, but IADC and its members must do so as well.
“We will continue to work very closely with the regulatory authorities, governments and our members to ensure that the people who will be responsible for taking this industry forward have the required skills and capabilities to do so safely,” Mr Colville continued.
Dr Ganesh Thakur, 2012 SPE president and vice chairman, global advisor and fellow Chevron Energy Technology Company, emphasized advanced technologies related to horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, urging more investment in technology development, which encompasses investment in people, over the next 20 years, he said. “Collaboration between industry and countries is imperative to develop technologies and best practices,” he said.
