DOE seeks ideas for oil, gas research

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a request for information, seeking input on research needs relating to gaps in oil and natural gas technologies. The agency anticipates using the information when formulating future funding opportunities for research projects.

For unconventional oil and gas developments, DOE has field research sites and is looking for research ideas relating to the mitigation of environmental impacts; dealing with large volumes of produced water, including possibilities for the beneficial use of the water; improving hydraulic fracture diagnostics; and the understanding and avoidance of induced earthquakes.

In the interests of improved offshore oil spill prevention, DOE is seeking research possibilities into reducing oil spill risks associated with geological uncertainty; reducing oil spill risks during well operations; and reducing the risk of spills from surface and subsurface systems, and from deepwater infrastructure.

DOE wants to find ways to eliminate the flaring and direct venting of natural gas; and to eliminate the venting of carbon dioxide generated from natural gas processing or associated with engine exhaust streams. The agency is interested in the development of scalable technologies, such as gas-to-liquids technologies, for the in-field conversion of methane-rich gas to useful products. Another research possibility would involve designing improved supply chain options for the distributed processing of natural gas and carbon dioxide.

With regard to the disposal of carbon dioxide through offshore storage or through its use in offshore oil field enhanced oil recovery, DOE would like research ideas for the offshore transportation, handling and injection of carbon dioxide. With respect to enhanced oil recovery, there is scope for research into reducing the technical and economic risks associated with the technique, how to ensure the technique is considered for use prior to offshore infrastructure abandonment, and what offshore facility modifications might be considered to enable the technique’s use.

- ALAN BAILEY