Supervisory board maps out the future for the World-Class Research Center in Liquid Hydrocarbons
The board convened at KFU on 17 January under the helm of the President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.
The board members listened to the Center’s resulting report for 2022, including new proposed technologies and best practices for the oil and gas industry. The President emphasized that WCRCLH’s activities are crucial for the national economy.
Vice-Rector for Earth Sciences Danis Nurgaliev presented the annual report. He noted that all KPIs for the last year were met, and the majority of them with over a 50% surplus over the intended threshold. The presenter added that the hydrocarbon industry will be among the key industries for Russia and the world for many decades despite the steady growth of new energy sources. He said, “In 2022, the oil and gas revenue amounted for 43% of the national budget. The exploration of new petroleum deposits and their cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness are among the most important objectives for today. The structure of reserves becomes more complex by the year, and new deposits need sizable investment. This is what we always keep in mind in our work.”
Among the Center’s research foci in 2022 were thermal methods of oil production enhancement, reserve forecasting, express evaluations of licensed deposit territories, in-situ refining technologies with nanosized catalysts, and lifecycle prolongation for depleted deposits.
The Center also works on fracking. Significant progress was made in the production of import-substituting compounds for the acid treatment of carbonate collectors.
Simultaneously, software tools are being developed with the use of Big Data and machine learning to simplify and systemize routine processes of exploration and production. “We work together with our partners in oil production and oilfield services. Everything that’s being done is tested and introduced into mainstream workflow in cooperation with them. Among our partners are the largest oil industry powerhouses of Russia, Cuba, China, Vietnam, India, Kuwait, Oman, and other countries,” continued Nurgaliev. “On a global scale, the Center is undoubtedly among the leaders in giant deposit research and in-situ refining with thermal assists and catalytic systems. All this helped KFU in entering the top 75 universities in the world in petroleum engineering.”
President Minnikhanov concluded, “We have to pay more attention to tangible results. It’s imperative to actively commercialize existing projects and introduce them to the industry. Your work must first and foremost find implementation in our republic and at other national oil companies.”
The board approved changes to the WCRCLH’s development program for the future.