The Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) expects to start work on at least another 12 development projects by the end of the year.
OGTC chief executive Colette Cohen said she had approved more than £12million worth of investment in pioneering new technologies since it opened seven months ago and is currently working on 21 projects.
Ms Cohen said most of the projects focus on new products which will lower the cost of maintenance, well construction and the development of marginal fields.
OGTC officially opened in February with £180million worth of backing from the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
Speaking at a panel session at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen, she said the sector had to think about “lowering costs” even more if it wants to deliver another 20billion barrels of North Sea oil.
Ms Cohen also revealed that two product field trials would begin on subsea wells in the next six months.
She said the trials had to potential to take a large chunk out of well plugging and abandonment (P&A) costs.
Well P&A is the most expensive part of the decommission cycle, making up about half of the total outlay.
Oil and Gas Authority chief executive Andy Samuel said he was amazed by the amount of work the OGTC has heaped on its plate in such a short space of time.
Mr Samuel said: “Things are different this year. We are seeing way more technology being trialled. There’s nothing like £180million to get people excited.”
He said a recent survey had given the OGA insight into how and where oil companies want to see new technology implemented.
He also said some operators were “doing a great job” of developing innovative products which can help maximise economic recovery.
But he lamented that a lot of businesses were still “in the race to be second”, while “some are not even in the game.”
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