Innovation The Way, Says Energy Minister
By Izam Said Ya'akub

Bandar Seri Begawan - "The days of easy and relatively cheap oil are now something of the past in Brunei Darussalam and the rest of the world," said Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar. The Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office was speaking on his recent visit to Europe where he held discussions with experts from Shell and visited its research facilities.

"We must constantly seek new and innovative ways, not only to optimise our,precious hydrocarbon resource; but also to produce our oil and gas in even more efficient ways. I am very pleased with the continuing strong support that Shell is giving to Brunei Shell Petroleum, which allows Brunei Darussalam to be a leading energy player, and contribute significantly towards our economic and social development," said the Minister of Energy.

Pehin Dato Haji Awang Yahya was accompanied by Dr Grahaeme Henderson, Managing Director of BSP, and made a working visit to Shell's offices and research facilities in Europe. Also travelling as part of the delegation were Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Pengiran Dato Haji Abu Bakar PSI Pengiran Haji Ismail, the Acting Director of Petroleum Unit, Awang Haji Zolkiflee Haji Abdul Karim, amongst other senior Government officials from the Energy Division at the Prime Minister's Office and the Petroleum Unit.

Upon arriving in Europe, Pehin Dato Hj Awang Yahya and his team had the oppory tunity to see the cutting edge technologies that are being developed for use in Brunei at Shell's head offices. The areas of particular focus were deepwater technology, innovative drilling techniques and the latest advances in seismic interpretation using highspeed computing: BSP has been working closely with Shell in a joint study to apply secondary and enhanced recovery processes in its Seria field, the oldest producing oil field in the country. A statement from BSP said: "These technologies will act as the forerunner for more widespread application offshore in the Champion field. However, this will mean increased capital and operating expenditure but is required to contribute to the future production of Brunei Darussalam."

The delegation from the sultanate also held discussions with Jeroen van der Veer, Chief Executive of Shell International and Malcolm Brinded, Executive Director of Shell Exploration and Production. Renowned for its work on future energy strategy and scenarios, Pehin Dato Hj Awg Yahya was able to have a preview of Shell's latest thinking in this area, and to discuss related global issues such as alternative energy sources and carbon dioxide management.

Amongst the itinerary for the Minister is a visit to Shell's Thornton Research Centre in Manchester in the UK, the world leader in the field of fuel and lubricant technologies. It also showcased Shell's involvement at the cutting edge of the field, including its partnership with Ferrali within Formula One racing, and the historic Le Mans 24-hour race win by Audi using Shell V-Power diesel.

Pehin Dato Hj Awg Yahya also met Bruneian students in Manchester and enlightened them on the efforts and importance of practising Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC).

As part of the visit, John Saville, the British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, also organised a ministerial meeting with Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland, and discussions with the Scottish Financial Executive.

This was followed by a visit to Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, to understand in more detail the benefits of university joint research projects with industry.

On its way to Europe, the delegation from Brunei Darussalam stopped briefly in Singapore where the Minister made a site visit to view BSP's newly-acquired drilling ship at the Keppel Shipyard.

There the delegation viewed the vessel which is one of the most technologically advanced drilling ships in the world. The vessel will undertake duties at deepwater Alap-Alap well in over 800 metres of water in the latter part of 2008. Exploration scheduled at the well follows on from the find at Bubut field which looks to fulfil future LNG contracts. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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