Encouraging reports from the field and the continued entry of large players into the Polish unconventional gas sector provides an optimistic backdrop for the European Unconventional Gas Summit to be held in Krakow this 28‐29 September.

 

Baker Hughes unconventional gas expert Adrian Topham says he sees the European unconventional gas market develop primarily in Poland in the next 12 months, “through steady exploration and appraisal, but with a few wells in other countries.” He says these wells will be high cost data wells and not sustainable cost development wells.

As part of Baker Hughes’ Reservoir Development Services, Adrian Topham is part of a high‐level line‐up of industry experts who will address the upcoming European Unconventional Gas Summit.

Topham’s presentation will include the latest in hydro‐ fracking, directional drilling and seismic technology as well as address the mitigation of the risk of surface and ground water contamination.

Demonstration of safe operations

Public acceptance and assurance of the safety of the unconventional gas industry are just some of the industry challenges that will be discussed during the summit. Topham agrees that apart from “economic development of a gas sales network and market price stability, public support through the demonstration of safe and environmentally responsible operations” are key issues that need to be in place for the gas market to develop successfully.

Right blend of science and technology

The Baker Hughes executive says in order to help their clients develop shale gas projects they are focusing their attention on “the development of sustainable, cost efficient delivery of products and services through our global programme of research and development. We are focussing on the right blend of science and technology in the appraisal phase to enable our clients to plan for longer term economic development.” Topham continues: “key areas to watch are minimising land and water usage through improved drilling and stimulation best practice. Currently Eastern Europe is leading Western Europe in establishing the reserves base.”

The European Unconventional Gas Summit will also showcase leading examples of how to address public and political communication from industry experts including:
* Jim Johnston, Board Member, ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Poland
* Axel Scheuer, Europe Regulatory Advisor, ExxonMobil Gas & Power Marketing
* Florence Geny, Senior Business Analyst, Statoil
* Davide Calcagni, VP Unconventional, Eni
* Stephan Singer, Global Energy Policy Director, WWF International
* Wieslaw Prugar, Member of the Management Board, OPPPW, President of the Management Board, Orlen Upstream
* Mark Katrosh, President, Hess Oil France
* Mikhail Slobodin, Executive Vice President, Gas and Power, TNK‐BP

The conference, to  be held on 28‐29 September, at Hotel Novotel Krakow Bronowice, ul. Armii Krajowej 11, 30‐150 Krakow, Poland. is preceeded by The European Unconventional Gas Academy on 27 September

Event website: www.eug‐summit.com

For more information, interviews and media accreditation:
Communications Manager: Annemarie Roodbol Email: Annemarie.roodbol@clarionevents.com

Tel: +27 21 700 3558
Fax: +27 21 700 3501
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 562 7844