Gastech: CoTE Presentations Proved to Be Huge Success (UK)

The Centres of Technical Excellence (CoTE) programme focused on the most pressing issues facing the energy industry and in the future. A crucial showcase for the latest innovations, technologies, products, services and suppliers, it provided a platform for respected organisations, associations and individuals from across the breadth of the gas industry.

Highlights included Gas Processing, Gas to Liquids, Power Generation, Project Delivery, Floating LNG and LNG as a Shipping Fuel.

The final day’s sessions featured the HSE stream and included a presentation from the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) that promoted the continuing importance of health, safety and environmental best practice. Attendees heard that, while the gas industry has a strong track record and reputation for health, safety and environmental practices, regulatory frameworks must stay up to date.

David Morgan, President, IGEM, and managing director of Synthotech Ltd, who spoke at the seminar, said it was vital to ensure legislative and regulatory environments promote world class health, safety and environmental practice, but also foster and stimulate innovation.

The presentations were followed by the Pipelines & Transmission stream, presented by the Pipeline Industries Guild – the only association worldwide to cater directly for the needs of the pipeline industry. Formed in 1957, the Guild’s membership comprises those with interests in pipelines worldwide, transporting hydrocarbon products, chemicals, water, wastewater, and many other substances, both on and offshore.

Dr Cheryl Burgess, Director General of the Guild, said: “Gastech provides the Guild with the opportunity to not only showcase the innovation of our members but also to engage with the much wider energy industry.”

Other speakers featured within the Pipelines & Transmission stream included Director of the Transmission Division for Enagas, Juan Carlos Arancon, who shared insights into the design and installation of a submarine pipeline, linking the Spanish mainland to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca.

The final stream provided some of the most though-provoking content of the four-day programme and covered Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Chaired by Dr Jeff Chapman, Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, he discussed the hotly-debated issue of Electricity Market Reform (EMR). The aim of EMR – to provide guaranteed minimum prices for clean electricity in the future, to encourage the building of new generating capacity – has been welcomed by the CCSA, though its members have called for much more detail and assurances that support and incentives will be available for CCS projects.

Amanda Basi, Gastech’s producer of the CoTEs, said: “The impressive speaker line-up over the course of the seminar programme has been a real testament to the level of interest in Gastech this year. It is one of the most anticipated events on the industry calendar and we have been very pleased to be able to showcase the latest innovations and technology to a very large and knowledgeable audience.”

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LNG World News Staff, October 12, 2012; Image: Gastech