Exploration - 30 September 2009

Exxon Mobil's Australian division and India's Petronet have signed a 20 year LNG supply contract, signaling a step towards approval for the Western Australian Gorgon project on Barrow Island.

India has ambitions to become the hub for petroleum products exports. The export potential coupled with the additional capacity additions and new refineries provide a unique opportunity for potential investors.

When discussing the digital oilfield, one thing the majority of commentators agree on is that it involves operators having maximum awareness and control over their assets. Many also agree that the technology and connectivity across the oilfield is now there and that the key question facing operators is how best to utilise and integrate these technologies.

Siemens' Pipeline Demo Center simulates technologies on a model pipeline system.

If captured and recovered for energy, coal mine methane is a cost-effective resource. Coal mines around the world are increasingly focusing on the commercially available, cost-effective opportunities to capture and use this often wasted resource.

South America has an impressive total of gas reserves and is increasing its production, however, the region is continually facing problems despite its desire to expand and develop.

In March 2009, Brazil adopted the much-awaited Gas Law; regulating the transportation of natural gas. The Gas Law establishes a 30 year concession regime, bringing enhanced security for private companies to enter the market for transportation and storage of natural gas.

With the long-term prospect of increasing global energy demand, securing future energy supplies has become a common global issue. For those countries with dwindling production rates or low hydrocarbon reserves, the pressure for energy security is set to increase.

Joint ventures focused on unconventional natural gas opportunities and related capability transfer will require effective governance to be successful.

The article looks at the prospects for the continuing availability of hurricane insurance in the offshore energy markets, discusses some of the problems with the products offered, reports on efforts to improve these products and the effect that low product take up is having on the energy insurance market. Windstorm premium makes up 15 to 20% of the offshore energy insurance portfolio.

British companies can be found in all aspects of the energy industry all over the world. A track record of more than 40 years of expertise in exploring and developing oil and gas as well as nuclear energy has created a wealth of experience that is now being used globally.

OPITO – The Oil and Gas Academy, is focusing on attracting skills and talent to the oil and gas industry, through its ‘Energise Your Future’ event, which took place at this year’s Offshore Europe in Aberdeen.

Petrobras has announced a new light oil find in the Campos Basin. This article looks at the new oil find; Petrobras’ International Business Plan; relations between Brazil and China; foreign participation in the Brazilian market and prospects for the Brazilian pipeline sector over the next few years.

Increased difficulties in obtaining utility right-of-way and the concept of utility corridors have brought pipelines into close proximity with electric power transmission/distribution systems. Metallic objects subjected to the alternating electromagnetic field will exhibit an induced voltage. Also, power conductor faults to ground can cause substantial fault currents in the underground structure.