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.”
The technical programme will be launched via the SPE Aberdeen website soon. For more information, visit www.spe-aberdeen.org or email aberdeen.events@spe-uk.org.
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