Institution news
The UK Shale Gas Summit 2015, held 24 February in London, will provide an excellent insight into the role engineers are playing in the exploration of shale gas and keep those in the sector up to date with the latest developments.
As the North Sea is expected to support the UK’s energy policy for only 20 more years, it is imperative that engineers are given opportunities to meet and share the latest thinking on this alternative energy source.
Held by the Institution and partner organisation United Kingdom Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG), the event will help ensure engineers are able to have a robust, honest and technically literate conversation with the public and bring some balance to public perceptions.
The summit will include information on how the UK government is putting measures into place to ensure that operational activity – the controversial drilling known as fracking – is monitored efficiently.
The seminar will contain up-to-the-minute content, such as:
- HSE and Environment Agency: shale gas regulations
- UKOOG: supporting the development of the UK supply chain
- National Grid: its role in future supply chain scenarios
- Cuadrilla Resources, Centrica and IGas Energy: operational case-studies
Chaired by Tim Fox, Head of Energy and Environment at the Institution, the event brings together a number of industry experts from high-profile organisations and academia. Many have extensive international expertise, and their areas of knowledge range from integrated water management strategies and well integrity; to research studies in environmental politics; workplace and environmental risks.
“Addressing the key technical issues of well integrity and integrated water management, as well as planning for emerging engineering skills demands, are critical to the profession’s support of this activity,” said Tim.
“Beyond that, an area where engineers also have a much-overlooked role is in ensuring a robust, honest and technically literate conversation with the public. We need to emphasise what is involved in exploration and production, to counter the often over-hyped messages that come from the media, press and politicians regarding the UK shale gas opportunity. This seminar will help engineers participate in that conversation and bring some balance to public perceptions,” he added.
The one-day seminar, held at etc venues, St Paul’s, London, will close with a Panel discussion session, focused on the challenges of developing and retaining the engineering skills set required for shale gas production in the UK. Within the day, themed presentations will also consider the following areas:
- Different organisations’ roles in the industry
- UK shale gas supply chain
- Sustaining well integrity
- Integrated water management
- Shale gas and public understanding
Ken Cronin, Chief Executive Officer UKOOG, is the keynote speaker. He commented: “Engineers are critical to the future of onshore oil and gas, from their role in realising the development and production of onshore hydrocarbons, through to the roles they play in the manufacturing and technical development of the equipment needed to maximise a UK-based supply and demand chain.
“Shale presents the UK with a unique opportunity; to develop an integrated supply chain where the drill rigs, steel, well stimulation and waste management equipment required to service the industry can be home grown.”
Find out more and book your place at UK Shale Gas: The Engineers’ Summit 2015.
Read more on the Institution’s UK Shale Gas position.