Industry ‘Dragons’ Den’ picks transformational well P&A ideas

Twelve innovators, representing commercial organisations, academic institutions and independent technology developers presented to the panel, who chose four technology ideas focused on three key themes:

New barriers – placement and materials

• Biogrout
• Metal alloy sealing technology

Verification of permanent barriers

• Multi-wellbore integrity inspection system

Optimising P&A scope

• Multi-scale approach to modelling the probability of hydrocarbon flow to surface

There is £1 million of funding available for the ideas and an investment decision will be made by the Centre’s Board in December.

The panel comprised members of the Centre, including Centrica, Chevron, Lloyd’s Register, Nexen, Shell and Total, as well as representatives for Decom North Sea and Oil & Gas UK, and the Centre’s Well Construction team.

The well P&A Call for Ideas, launched in May 2017, generated 48 innovative ideas and concepts. An independent panel reviewed the ideas and chose 27 to progress to the next stage, with an interview process resulting in 12 going through to the Dragons’ Den pitch.

The next Well Construction Call for Ideas launches late November and will cover well systems, seabed pressure isolation and new ways to stimulate well flow. Further details on the Call will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Malcolm Banks, Well Construction Solution Centre Manager, the Oil & Gas Technology Centre, said:

“We’re delighted to have selected the final four ideas. We held a workshop with operators and tier ones in February to determine the themes, so it was important that industry has helped make the final decision. The technology ideas could have a transformational impact on the industry and we look forward to the Board’s decision later this year.”

“The response to the P&A Call for Ideas exceeded all our expectations, and we hope to see the same enthusiasm when our next Call opens in November.”