Oil & Gas UK has launched the first phase of its project to design a “digital road map” of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS)’s petroleum geology.
The industry body has commissioned SLR Consulting to conduct a three-month preliminary study looking to promote opportunities on the UKCS to boost exploration in the region.
“The aim of the 21st Century Exploration Road Map is to contribute to improving exploration success and address the 50% decrease in the number of wells drilled,” said Oonagh Werngren, Oil & Gas UK’s operations director.
“The outcome of the preliminary study will provide industry with the specifications for a subsequent implementation project to deliver an on-line, more dynamic source of digital geological maps summarising current subsurface understanding and the hydrocarbon resources potential within key areas of the UKCS.”
The project is one of a number undertaken by the body’s Pilot Exploration Task Force, looking to extend the economic viability of oil and gas exploration offshore UK and is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the British Geological Survey (BGS), The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Common Data Access (CDA), as well as exploration companies, operators and offshore service providers.
“SLR Consulting will be engaging with individuals and organisations with expertise in UKCS exploration to establish recommendations for both the geological and geographical scope and key priorities of the 21st Century Exploration Road Map,” said Hamish Wilson, SLR Consulting’s technical director.
“This process will enable us to define the prospective content, timing and phasing of the project which is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2015.”