RPSEA released its Technology Roadmap, a plan that outlines the challenges and research needs of the US onshore and offshore oil and gas industry for the coming decade. It takes advantage of RPSEA’s extensive network of leading subject matter experts in looking at challenges best addressed through investments in R&D.
The plan, entitled “Keeping It Going for the Long Haul–The Easy Stuff is Gone,” provides a roadmap as to the R&D opportunities that will allow the US to continue to be the leading producer of oil and gas into the future.
It includes:
• Technologies that will improve safety and environmental performance
• Onshore emerging and developing shale plays
• Offshore satellite fields
• Improved recovery for onshore and offshore reservoirs
“No one knows what the energy industry will look like in the next 10 years, but we do know in order to maintain our leadership position, the United States must compete on a global basis, take full advantage of rapidly evolving technology, and address the variety of challenges we will face,” Tom Williams, RPSEA president, said.
The Technology Roadmap builds upon the foundation of RPSEA’s program over the past 10 years working with the industry, academia, and the US Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The rapid transfer and application of new ideas and results will be facilitated by the continuing involvement of producers and service companies in the planning and execution of the research program. The emphasis on safety and environmental sensitivity reflected in this plan will require more direct involvement and communication with the regulatory agencies and the environmental community.