Gearing up for 2012

摘要

Five industry experts predict the advances and innovations expected in the coming year. Technology is the mainstay of the Oil and gas industry, so it is no surprise that R&D budgets continue to be heavily funded in 2012. Most of the dollars going into technology development will target subsea, automation, floating production innovation, and unconventionals. With the rapid escalation in shale development and the growing interest in unconventional oil and gas, it is a fair guess that 2012 will bring with it a continued industry focus on developing technologies around hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling and completions, reservoir monitoring, and water treatment. Shale gas reserves are so enormous that they are likely to be the focus of E&P activity for decades.