Unconventional Hydrocarbons – impact and repercussions

Recent estimates suggest that shale gas alone could potentially provide over a third of total UK consumption by 2020, reducing dependency on imported gas up to 27% by 2035. With Coal Bed Methane reserves potentially offering twice the recoverable reserves calculated for shale gas, these projections support the view that unconventional hydrocarbons should play a key role in the UK’s energy future. 

As the shift becomes a reality, the oil and gas industry is presented with an array of challenges – be they technical, political, logistical, environmental or “just perceived”.

Technical sales director and co-founder of downhole tool manufacturer, Nemein Ltd, Lawrence Till, has a wealth of experience across the oil and gas industry and is set to examine these challenges, and the opportunities surrounding them, at a Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Aberdeen presentation and dinner meeting this month.

Mr Till’s lecture will consider the position of the UK unconventional hydrocarbons market with particular focus on the future potential. Drawing upon examples from other geological markets - most notably the highly public ‘Shale Gas Revolution’ in the USA – the lecture will explore the potential ramifications and opportunities of these challenges.

Ahead of his lecture, Mr Till said: “Unconventional hydrocarbons could provide significant long-term local energy options for the UK as North Sea production declines.

“The extraction of unconventional hydrocarbons brings with it a range challenges. This leaves considerable market space for innovation and education, an environment best created by SMEs working in conjunction with larger political and corporate organisations.”

Ross Lowdon, chairman of SPE Aberdeen, added: “Mr Till has experience across the energy industry, ranging from drilling to production and operations, manufacturing and sales. We are delighted he will be sharing this experience with us through the analysis of the growth and opportunities within this emerging market.”

‘The impact and potential repercussions of unconventional hydrocarbons in the UK’ will take place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 19 November at the Postgraduate Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. The technical presentation will be followed by a networking dinner.