Energy shift towards a gas-focused future

Ed Leung, senior technology advisor at RESMAN Energy Technology discusses the shift towards gas and how Resman’s INFLOW Gas Tracer Technology can help de-risk large-scale gas projects

The energy landscape is shifting as global gas demand rises, moving away from coal toward cleaner alternatives. Consequently, investment trends are shifting. According to Goldman Sachs, the global gas market is expected to expand by 50% in the coming years, and LNG investments are projected to surge by over 50% by 2029, supported by 73 major projects currently under development worldwide.

The Middle East is poised to play a crucial role in this growth. According to Wood Mackenzie, gas production in the region is expected to rise, backed by investments of up to US$120bn to boost production capacity by 14 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2030. This investment will significantly enhance energy security and support global demand for cleaner energy sources. This increase is significant, equating to the gas consumption of the entire European power sector.

However, achieving these goals is not without challenges, including infrastructure development, market volatility, environmental regulations, geopolitical factors, competition with renewables, technological challenges, public perception and acceptance, and supply chain constraints, among others. Importantly, large-scale gas projects demand increased operator confidence and a comprehensive understanding of subsurface conditions.

The role of tracer technology

This is where innovative technologies such as wireless monitoring using chemical tracers come into play. By providing definitive proof of mass transport and enabling continuous monitoring without intervention, tracer technology significantly reduces operational risks while delivering accurate data insights into the gas reservoir conditions. Conventional production logging methods face numerous challenges, from downhole complexities to the need for accurate, direct data.

As the only provider of proven Inflow Gas Tracer Technology, RESMAN Energy Technology has expanded its footprint since 2016 when the first R&D project kicked off, partnering with industry leaders such as Equinor, ENI, and Shell, among others. This growth underscores the increasing importance of innovative solutions in navigating the evolving energy landscape, ultimately helping to ensure sustainability, security, and affordability in gas production.

As gas continues to play a vital role in the global energy transition, the Middle East’s contribution to this shift is crucial. Large-scale gas projects present unique challenges, particularly in terms of subsurface data accuracy and operational safety. RESMAN’s Inflow Gas Tracer Technology addresses these demands, providing precise insights without invasive interventions. By minimising risk and delivering reliable data on gas reservoir conditions, RESMAN empowers operators to maintain productivity and sustainability standards while significantly reducing environmental impact.