BP to invest in oil & gas research
4 Nov 2013
BP announced last week it is to invest £2.5m ($4m) into leading-edge energy research and shale gas recovery technologies.
Partnering with the University of Texas (UOT), BP intends to support several leading-edge oil and gas industry research projects.
We are tackling real-world challenges that, if better understood, could have far-reaching impacts
BP COO James Dupree
One area of focus will be related to BP’s Project 20K, an initiative that seeks to develop innovative technologies designed to extract deep-water oil and gas reserves currently beyond the reach of today’s technologies.
The University of Texas’ department of electrical and computer engineering will work with the Project 20K team to study the impact of human factors on the drilling process and the potential for new systems that can enhance safety and efficiency.
BP chief operating officer for reservoir development & technology James Dupree said: “Under this partnership, we are tackling real-world challenges that, if better understood, could have far-reaching impacts not only on BP but on the future of global energy development.”
Other research projects will look at improving recoveries from shale gas and oil formations through an investigation of fracturing fluids’ impact on well productivity.
UOT recently published a report that hazardous chemicals were found in water samples near the Barnett Shale extraction site, Texas. Research set to “enhance safety and efficiency” could be used to address issues within the hydraulic fracturing process.
