UK’s Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) and the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), have launched a new Southern North Sea Rejuvenation Special Interest Group (SIG) at a government reception to highlight the importance of the region in the economic recovery of the UK’s oil and gas reserves.

OGA said on Wednesday that the reception held by the House of Commons, the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, hosted industry leaders, representatives from companies, organizations and colleges serving the oil and gas, offshore wind and nuclear industries.

There they met with OGA representatives, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Greg Clark and Minister of State for Energy and Intellectual Property Baroness Neville-Rolfe in the Members’ Dining Room.

Eric Marston, OGA Southern North Sea Area Manager, said: “The Southern North Sea Rejuvenation SIG was established in recognition of the significant potential which remains in the basin. The area’s unique blend of energy sources, including offshore wind, means we can take advantage of the synergies between industries to explore how we can work together in future for mutual benefit.

“We estimate another 3.7 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas remains from current assets and, potentially, another 5 tcf combined from further drilling in current fields and discovered undeveloped new fields.

“It is essential we promote further exploration and appraisal activity, protect critical infrastructure and support marginal and small pool developments utilizing the experienced supply chain and latest technology.”

Also, a new Late Life and Decommissioning Matrix, showing the capabilities of regional companies looking to capitalize on the £47 billion ($57.7 billion) offshore decommissioning sector, is being created by EEEGR in association with OGA, Decom North Sea, and Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

OGA said that, when complete, it will enable operators to view services the East of England supply chain can provide. Businesses interested in decommissioning can also use it to discover where there may be gaps in services.

Simon Gray, Chief Executive at EEEGR, said: “Our region is becoming a trail-blazer in this sector, generating new skills and innovative solutions which could become opportunities for worldwide adoption and expansion.”

Source: www.offshoreenergytoday.com