More than 100 water and energy experts discussed techniques for increasing the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from existing fields while managing limited water availability at a major seminar that concluded in Dubai today (May 23).

The inaugural two-day seminar Global Water: Oil & Gas Summit at Mina A’Salam Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah explored effective water management processes in the oil and gas industry.

Organised by The CWC Group, a leading events company focused on energy and infrastructure issues, the summit brought together leading stakeholders from both the water and energy sectors to analyse key issues such as environmental considerations in the oil & gas industry, reducing water usage footprints, regulatory concerns and practical techniques for synergising energy production and water management.

With the theme “Water Solutions for the Oil & Gas Industry,” the summit kicked-off Tuesday morning with a session focused on creating strategic partnerships within the energy and water sectors.

The event continued throughout the afternoon with sessions exploring new treatment processes and strategies for easing costs and increase energy production though efficient water management practices.

During a session focused on water treatment technologies, Lisa Henthorne, Water Standard’s chief technology officer and senior vice president, highlighted the potential opportunities provided by the summit.

“There are not many opportunities given to the industry like this forum,” said Henthorne, “that provide the water and energy sectors with a chance to collaborate and create innovative technological solutions to the issues we currently face.”

Wednesday’s activities wrapped-up with an awards ceremony recognising companies with the strongest water management initiatives over the past year.

AES Arabia, a leading water treatment service provider based in Saudi Arabia, was selected as Company of the Year. The Project of the Year award was given jointly to Petroleum Development Oman and BAUER Nimr, for its sustainable water management practices in Oman’s Nimr oil field.

The summit’s second day examined solutions for increasing water availability in the Mena region through seawater desalination technologies. Dr Corrado Sommariva, president of the International Desalination Association and chair of the session, commented on potential global water shortages and its impact on the oil & gas industry.

“Global water consumption has risen dramatically over the past few decades,” said Dr Sommariva.

“By 2025, the oil & gas industry will face significant constraints if we do not implement innovative solutions for increasing our water sources. Water is a precious resource and we must manage its use effectively for the overall sustainability of the industry. This summit has been a vital platform to assess the best direction forward.”

Shane White, the CWC Group’s senior producer of the summit, said: “We are pleased with the event’s outcome and feedback from the various stakeholders has been encouraging.”

“The objective of this event is to create a platform for the water and energy industry’s key players to form long-term strategic partnerships and create innovative solutions for the challenges currently facing the industry.”

“Energy production is a water-intensive practice and bringing both sides together this week is a bold move toward mitigating production costs and improving efficiency. We are looking forward to the next step,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service