Market Opportunity For Water Technology In Oil And Gas

• Oil and gas industry more in need of water expertise than ever
• Emerging shale oil industry offers new potential market for water technology
• Conference brings together top players from oil, gas and water

There has never been a better time for water industry specialists to become involved in the UK oil and gas industry, says British Water. The trade association will be highlighting the opportunities currently available in the sector at a one-day conference at Coventry University on 2 December 2015.

Oil and gas experts from industry, trade bodies and UK Trade and Investment will offer guidance to working with companies producing oil and gas.

Water expertise
Lila Thompson, International Director of British Water said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for people from the world of water and wastewater to really get to know the oil and gas industry. The UK oil industry uses three barrels of clean water for every barrel of oil extracted.

“Eight barrels of wastewater are created for each barrel of oil and a considerable amount of seawater is used for cooling systems and to maintain pressure in oil reservoirs.

“The oil and gas industries are dependent on water and because of the current squeeze on prices there has never been a better time to get involved. There are also new opportunities in the emerging shale gas sector.

“Operators are looking at costs, looking at ways to be more energy efficient which means they are in the market for new technologies and expertise.”

Leading representatives
Among those participating are leading oil and gas companies, trade bodies NOF Energy and UKOOG, utilities representatives Water UK and global business Schlumberger, the world’s largest oilfield services company.

UKTI representatives will be explaining some of the incentives available to companies working in oil and gas while representatives of the Environment Agency will be giving an overview of current regulation.

Marta Perez, Technical Manager, British Water, said: “This is a chance for people working in the water industry to familiarise themselves with the needs of the oil and gas industry, to learn about the investment support available and to come face to face with some of the leading players.”

The first half of the conference will focus on the global oil and gas industry, covering technological challenges, procurement processes and investment opportunities, while the second session will concentrate on the developments in the UK shale gas industry.

Innovation
British Water Chief Executive Ashley Roe said: “British Water is always looking for ways to build trade links, stimulate new business and encourage investment in our industry. The oil and gas industry is heavily dependent on water and in the current climate is looking for new ways to conserve energy and increase efficiency.

“There are already strong links between the water industry and the oil and gas industry but there is always more to discover and we are delighted so many top level players have agreed to share their insight. We believe this conference will be a tremendously useful event, whether for water companies which are already working in the field of oil and gas, or for those who feel it may be something to explore in the future.”

The conference is open to members and non-members of British Water.

For more information visit: www.britishwater.co.uk.

About British Water
British Water is the lead representative and business development organisation for the UK water industry supply chain.