Exploration

The natural gas transmission pipeline industry in Australia is active and vibrant with opportunities for investment in further pipelines and pipeline infrastructure as this demand grows.

The power sector has undoubtedly been hit hard by the global credit crunch. The good news is though, that we are now seeing some positive signs of recovery, with the sector beginning to slowly bounce back with more money being invested in new projects.

The oil and gas sector in South America holds tremendous potential, with at least 110 billion bbls of oil, 272 trillion ft³ of gas and over 250 billion bbls of recoverable bitumen. But that potential often remains elusive for many countries.

Brazilian oil and Australian gas are the hottest ball games in town at the moment. This article reviews activity in these areas and other offshore exploration activity.

Working with a global operator, a Drilling Risk Assessment simulation model has been developed. Executives can now simulate and test scenarios before committing to a course of action.

The Arctic region holds large reserves of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas. Exploration and drilling challenges exist due to harsh conditions and environmental concerns.

The short-term outlook for the offshore oil and gas industry has become more difficult to predict than ever. The last few years saw an unprecedented boom in activity but there is now uncertainty and, in some quarters, despondency.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.