Month: October 2020

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SPE Aberdeen Section Focuses on the Energy Transition

SPE Aberdeen Section Focuses on the Energy Transition

The clock is now ticking to reach the target of Net Zero by 2050 in the UK (2045 in Scotland).  The oil and gas industry is a critical part of this transition to net zero and has the potential to be the leader in developing the solutions which will unlock a new, low carbon economy. This pivotal role of the oil and gas industry was clearly recognised recently by the Scottish Government with the £62 million Energy Transition Fund to support net zero projects.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is an essential component of delivering these Net Zero commitments. Success in developing CCUS will help transform the UKCS into a net zero oil and gas basin. Developing solutions for the full chain process of capturing, treating, compressing, transporting and then injecting CO2 deep underground will require the skills and experience that are prevalent in this industry.

The energy transition is at the forefront of the Aberdeen Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) agenda and next month, in association with the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB), the section will host its inaugural Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) conference.

Taking place as an online conference from 26-29 October 2020, the conference will underline the importance of CCUS in helping the UK and Scotland achieve net zero targets and will highlight the emerging low carbon job opportunities for oil and gas professionals. Themes covered during the conference will include full chain, reservoir, wells, facilities and commercial. Organisers are delighted to announce that Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, will deliver the keynote address on day one.

Chairman of the conference, Russ Gilbert, said: “This conference is a fantastic opportunity to learn about this essential decarbonisation technology. This online SPE conference is held over four days, with each day containing 2.5 hours of high quality and insightful presentations, techbytes and Q&A sessions.

The case studies on Day 1 will be of particular interest, in addition to the lessons learned from the Norwegian Northern Lights CCS project and the Scottish Acorn CCS project on Day 2. SPE Aberdeen invites both members and non-members alike to join us and learn how to become involved in an integrated energy future, of which CCUS will play a key role.”

Last month SPE Aberdeen held the 34th Offshore Achievement Awards and this year’s event included the new category ‘Energy Transition for Future Generations’, which was jointly won by BP and Pale Blue Dot Energy. Kenny McAllister, chair of the SPE Aberdeen Section commented: “The energy transition is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry, but also presents a significant opportunity for the oil and gas skills base. As we start our new session, this is a priority area for SPE Aberdeen and in line with this, we are delighted to be hosting the inaugural CCUS conference.”

More information and booking here.

by louise louise No Comments

Chair’s Address: October 2020

Dear SPE Aberdeen members, colleagues and friends,

Is this the new normal?

This month saw the DEVEX and Seismic conferences conducted virtually and the continuation of our Technical Programme Webinars; all digitally delivered technical exchange. The feedback from our first digitally delivered conferences has been a mature assessment of a different reality. Attendees are missing personal contact and for the foreseeable future that is a pain that we need to accept. However, there were some distinct upsides which our attendees graciously shared. In particular, the sound clarity and the ability to see the slides was enhanced by digital delivery. This is a challenge to be addressed when our larger in person events return – perhaps we will see multiple screens around the hall.

We are receiving positive feedback about our Technical Webinars. The rescheduling to lunchtime meets the needs of many more of our members. I expect that these will continue even when in person Technical Meetings return.

We are always learning; we continue to learn about our industry from our technical exchange events. This year more than ever we are learning about learning.

NASA In Aberdeen

Colin Black and the NASA in Aberdeen Team have been busy adjusting to the new normal. There are plans to bring a NASA engineer and an astronaut to Aberdeenshire in 2021. Please subscribe to the Nasa In Aberdeen page on LinkedIn to keep up to date with everything under the banner “Inspiring the next generation of 21st Century Explorers”

Best wishes and stay safe,

Kenny

 

Kenny McAllister

SPE Aberdeen Chair