The Aberdeen-based Industry Technology Facilitator (ITF) launched a major joint industry project at ONS today.
The aim is to develop technology for subsea water injection and treatment, which could be applied worldwide.
It is the first time a project has been funded jointly by ITF and Demo 2000, the Norwegian government-led technology initiative.
The Norwegian company developing the technology will be Well Processing and it is receiving about £1.3million to carry out the work.
Cementing its position as a global champion for the development of new technology, ITF said that in the past 18 months, 14 new technologies had been implemented as a result of ITF joint industry projects (Jips).
In line with its international business strategy, the not-for-profit organisation signed 11 new members, bolstering global membership to 21. It plans to treble the number of Jips launched in 2008 compared with the average for recent years, securing almost £10million in direct investment for technology development from its members.
ITF identifies the exploration and production (E&P) technology needs of its members and helps to foster the development and implementation of new technologies into the oil field through Jips with up to 100% funding available for successful, innovative proposals.
Managing director Neil Poxon said: “ITF members tell us that the leverage on ITF projects is up to 21:1, meaning that for every £1 they invest, they generate £21 in value due to the collaborative nature of the projects and number of participants that share the risk.
“Our continued growth and international success is down to our determination to take a lead role in technology development to meet the needs of our members and, in turn, the current demands of the global industry.
“In 2007 we launched six themes and in 2008 we will launch . . . eight themes and have secured funding for the launch of 24 projects. This is a 50% increase on the number of new technology projects launched in 2007 alone.”
Mr Poxon said the requirement for new technology in the North Sea provided the stimulus for the development of not only a strong UK technology initiative, but the development of a global strategy that met both the needs of the operators and the major service companies too. He added: “We have also taken steps to ensure technology is re-instated as a topic on the Pilot taskforce agenda.”
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