DOHA: Natural Gas is expected to be the fastest growing energy resource in the coming decade. Global gas demand will rise by 50 percent by the year 2035, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy and Industry, said yesterday.
Addressing Qatar University's 3rd International Gas Processing Symposium, he said technological innovations in the industry have made easy to establish giant production lines. The event was organised by QU's Gas Processing Center (GPC) and follows the previous successes of 2009 and 2010. The theme of this year's symposium is "Diversity in Natural Gas Utilisation".
QU President Prof Sheikha Al Misnad, QU VP for Research Dr Hassan Al Derham, Qatar Shell Executive Vice President and Chairman Wael Sawan, Dolphin Energy Qatar General Manager Adel Ahmed Albuainain, Conoco Phillips Qatar President Erec Issacson, ExxonMobil Qatar Vice President & Development Manager Bryan Wesselink were present at the opening session.
Local, regional and international scientists, experts, academics, and QU faculty and students from various disciplines are attending the symposium.
Over three days, participants will discuss wide-ranging themes such as Environmental sustainability, Clean production and efficient use of natural resources, Sustainable technologies for carbon sequestration and utilization, Efficient Utilization of natural resources, Assessment of sustainability and life cycle analysis, Technological and Natural Disasters, and Gas and energy modeling. As a lead-up to the event, a series of pre-symposium workshops was held on hydrates and "GTL from well to wheel".
Prof Al Misnad noted that QU continues to be a strong partner with national organisations in the dialogue on emerging issues that impact the society and the course of development of Qatar's economy. "This symposium is a clear indication of our commitment to contribute to advancing the goals outlined in QNV 2030 and QNDS 2011-2016 to promote responsible industrial processes and environmental sustainability".
Adel Ahmed Albuainain said: "Dolphin Energy is very pleased to support this important event. The Symposium is strengthening the link between education and industry and driving important alliances that will put in place measures required for future success".
Erec Issacson stated that Conoco Phillips has a great success story to tell with natural gas, and added: "It offers solutions to energy security, economic opportunity and sustainability for the entire world. It's our responsibility to not only supply natural gas, but to serve as its advocate".
Bryan Wesselink noted that it is programmes like those provided by ExxonMobil to develop Qatari engineers, institutions like QU, and forums like this week's symposium that provide people the wherewithal to address the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
Wael Sawan referred to the partnerships Qatar Shell has developed in Qatar and which enabled it to be part of the core community beyond the energy sector. He pointed to the ongoing relationship with QU namely the Shell Sustainable Chair, and its support of QU students' participation in last year's eco-marathon in Germany, and the "I am a researcher" programme under the Al Bairaq World initiative.
© The Peninsula 2012
