The Technology Zone will bring together start-up companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), showcasing their ideas and solutions (photo: OE)

The Oil & Gas Technology Centre’s Technology Zone at SPE Offshore Europe 2017 will present a series of technologies used in alternative sectors to encourage the oil and gas industry to think differently about the adoption of new products.

The Centre believes technologies such as robots, composite materials, additive manufacturing and augmented reality are all currently underutilised in offshore oil and gas, despite being part of a general industrial transformation in other industries.

The industry-led research and knowledge organisation, backed by the UK and Scottish Governments, aims to inspire, accelerate and fund innovative technologies that will help unlock the potential of the UK North Sea and anchor our world-class supply chain in North-East Scotland.

The Technology Zone will bring together start-up companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), showcasing their ideas and solutions. There will be a series of short presentations followed by a Q&A session with the Technology Centre’s Board and Leadership Team on its priorities and how to get involved.

Gareth Rapley, SPE Offshore Europe exhibition director says, “Technology transfer from other industries can offer major benefits to the oil and gas industry but requires encouragement. The Technology Zone will ask questions of the way the industry does things and how new technology can be used to lower costs, increase efficiency and improve recovery in this new reality for the oil and gas sector.”

Embracing New Realities: Reinventing our Industry is the central theme for SPE Offshore Europe 2017 which will be held at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Aberdeen, Scotland from 5-8 September 2017.

Following the technology theme, another new initiative at SPE Offshore Europe 2017, Tech Trek, will highlight exciting new technologies, products and solutions launched within the last 12 months. Exhibitors at the event are invited to submit up to three products for consideration with the final selection made at the discretion of the organisers.

Gareth Rapley adds, “One of the recurring comments from visitors has been that they would like a way to easily find new technologies and innovations among all the exhibition stands. We are launching Tech Trek to highlight these features and enable visitors to find what’s new, more easily.”

SPE Offshore Europe 2017 will offer more than 65 technical papers and 11 keynote panel sessions combined with business breakfasts and topical lunches. Also new in 2017, a Decommissioning Zone will feature a themed exhibition and conference space. Free-to-attend, the zone will include decommissioning technology and service providers in the exhibition as well as a conference programme organised in association with key industry associations including Decom North Sea, ITF, SUT and IMechE.

SPE Offshore Europe has been held biennially in Aberdeen since 1973. It is the largest E&P conference and exhibition outside North America.

Tags: SPE Offshore Europe 2017