Research and Development NEWS

Operator evaluating development options, including LNG, for Indonesia play de-risked by multi-trillion cubic foot Timpan gas breakthrough

The global energy management systems market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% to reach USD 75.0 billion by 2027, from an estimated USD 38.6 billion in 2022. The growth of the energy management systems market is proportional to the installation of smart grids and smart meters.

BVG Associates (BVGA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) to strengthen cooperation in consulting services in offshore wind in Japan and for Japanese clients globally. The MoU follows successful collaboration on a number of Japanese projects, the duo said. It includes the development and operation of projects, support for offshore wind auctions, strategic advice on market entry, business expansion and supply chain and technology development.

Sempra LNG recently joined the Collaboratory for Advancing Methane Science (CAMS), an industry-led research consortium formed to better characterize and understand methane emissions. Sempra LNG joins CAMS members Cheniere, Chevron, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Pioneer Natural Resources, and Shell. CAMS members work collaboratively to provide actionable, transparent methane science to contribute to the understanding of methane emissions across the oil and gas value chain and inform mitigation strategies.

A recent research study published in the IntechOpen publication has suggested that ARNCO series hardbandings developed by US-based Arnco Technology are the best hardbanding materials currently available. The authors emphasized that the latest products ARNCO 350XT and 150XT can guarantee 100% no crack. The paper titled ‘Research Progress of the Drill String Hardbanding Materials’ reviewed the research history and status quo of hardbanding materials on tool joints.

India’s largest oil guzzler, IOCL is looking to establish its second Research and Development (R&D) centre, nearby to an existing facility in Faridabad, Haryana. The proposed facility to be set-up at a cost of Rs 2,282 crore will research on alternative & renewable energy, industrial bio-technology, nanotechnology, refining technology, petrochemicals, applied metallurgy, pipeline research, catalytic interventions for clean energy processes and carbon nanotube & batteries.

ExxonMobil informed about its investment of almost $100 million for 10 years for the research and development of advanced lower-emissions technologies. Exxon will work with the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and National Energy Technology Laboratory. CEO of Exxon said, "We’re focusing on advancing fundamental science to develop breakthrough solutions that can make a difference on a global basis in emissions reduction".

Oilfield services giant, Halliburton has established Motors Center of Excellence which will work towards customizing motor designs for specific basin challenges. The center leverages mechanical engineering expertise to deliver highly durable motors that drill quicker and enables longer runs with a higher rate of penetration. Halliburton is looking forward to escalating research and development activities for delivering prominent drilling motors to the industry.

The scientists of Texas based Rice University have found a solution to the problem of stable oil-in-water emulsions that are made from oil reservoirs. A magnetic nanoparticle-based solution that will remove approximately 99% of oil from emulsions after all the other processing. Though there are previously existing methods for the same, yet the concern was over the 5% of oil that still remains. Shell Global Solutions sponsored the project.

Abdulaziz Alhajri, downstream director at ADNOC addressed the largest R&D conference for the oil and gas industry, International Research and Development Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (RDPETRO) in Abu Dhabi. In his keynote speech he emphasised that increasing global demand for high-value refined and petrochemical products is creating new growth opportunities across the value chain, at a time when unlocking oil and gas resources becomes more challenging.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) of Abu Dhabi has announced support for the Start-Up Hub at RDPETRO, to be held during 9-10 May, 2018. It is the largest international oil and gas conference completely dedicated to research and development in this field and presents tremendous business opportunities for the emerging organizations.

TGS, world’s largest geo-science data company, has announced an expansion of its Atlantic Margin (AM) multi-client program in the Norwegian Sea. Following the significant milestone of AM17, the new AM18 3D Extension will comprise 5,135 km² of 3D seismic data and covers a variety of play models with strati-graphic and structural traps in Paleocene and Cretaceous turbidite/fan deposits.

A new study by the geologists of Rice University reveals that ash rich in nutrients from a massive outburst of volcanic eruptions towards the culmination of the ‘dinosaur era’ had started a series of events that led to the formation of shale gas and oil fields all the way from Texas to Montana. Studies have often indicated a link between volcanic eruptions and unconventional shale hydrocarbons.