Second EAGE Conference on Renewable Energy in the Middle East & Africa

1. The role of O&G in the energy transition: synergies

The recent oil price crashes (2014 and 2020) and the increase of various international agreements aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuel and tackling climate change, has rushed a refocus on their energy mix and continued reliance on conventional energy source. However, the effect of COVID 19 may probably rise the demand O&G towards the year 2030. The region is pointing to the low-carbon intensity of their oil as they seek to increase oil and gas production rates but the shift from oil & gas (O&G) to renewables, is not as simple due to the nature of dependence of most of the countries for the economic growth.

In the near future the region will harmonize and share policy, legal framework and other initiatives aimed at continually improving the enabling investment environment in the region. Most companies are looking to navigate the energy transition in order to reduce carbon emissions in the near future.

• Integration of geothermal energy as part of the oilfield lifecycle
• New opportunities from the same wells: harvesting additional by-products from the reservoir fluids (e.g. mineral-brine mining)
• Repurposing decommissioned O&G wells
• Subsurface knowledge, experience and data sharing
• Balancing the CO2 footprint by investing (and participating) in renewable energy projects
  
  

2. Case study and geothermal potential in the Middle East and Africa region

Geothermal potential in the Middle East and Africa region is substantial and offers a viable option for alternative energy. The Middle East regions mostly utilises geothermal energy for direct use and desalination applications among others, whilst, the East Africa Rift region mostly utilises geothermal energy for power generation as well as direct use application.

• Geothermal exploration and resource assessment
• Low enthalpy geothermal resources and direct utilization
• Reservoir management and monitoring
• Drilling technology in volcanic and sedimentary settings
  
  

3. Exploring for Energy: the role of the subsurface in the coming decade.

The renewable energy potential of the subsurface plays a major role to achieve a low-carbon future. Especially the capability to store huge amounts of CO2 will make a significant impact, but also the opportunity to explore other subsurface resources in a smart and integrated context. This will diversify the petroleum-geoscience related skillsets and create new opportunities for the coming decades.

• Subsurface renewable energy potential of the region
• Conversion of hydrocarbon wells to geothermal/renewable energy sources
• Available data, geological risks and challenges for subsurface exploration
• New emerging technologies