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Since PTTC is in the midst of
becoming industry funded, PTTC chose for the interviews this issue to get
feedback from some of its past Chairmen. We posed the following question:
From your current perspective and
activities, looking back on the time when you led PTTC as Chairman, what do you
believe the greatest value-added component is that PTTC brings to the domestic
industry?
We weren't able to catch up with all of them, but
those responses we did capture reveal PTTC's true flavor.
Chris Hall,
California (3/95 - 3/96) .
When I look back to the DOE meeting in 1991 when Jim Russell and I were
challenging the DOE to consider a technology transfer program for independent
oil and gas producers, I am amazed at how much has been accomplished by the PTTC
during the past thirteen years. There is no question that the domestic oil and
gas producer has benefited from the
PTTC. He has been provided with producing
techniques and operating practices that helped reduce his operating costs when
oil prices were low and his ability to survive was being threatened (how soon
some forget!). He is now being exposed to proven technologies that can be used
today to stimulate additional production from mature reservoirs.
The fence
that the producer looks over to see what new technique is being used by his
neighbor has
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been
extended to reach across the
entire country, bringing him more solutions to his problems.
And the Country has benefited as well. If each of the 1,350+
workshops PTTC has hosted through the years provided at
least one producer the tools or encouragement to keep
operating rather than quit and abandon his wells, then we
are in a much better position to supply the oil and gas the
country demands each day.
Bob Nance,
Montana (3/96 - 3/99).
The greatest value-added component that PTTC lends to the domestic E&P industry
is that it acts as the independent producers link to research and development.
Research and development is not now nor ever has been developed by the various
independent companies that make up the majority of exploration and production in
this country, but rather the service sector and our universities. Without a
technology transfer agent most, if not all, of the independent producers in the
U.S. would not have exposure to the technology that could make or break a
particular development or exploration opportunity that collectively could make
the country less dependent on foreign sources for energy. The exciting Bakken
Play in my part of the woods is a prime example of technology and technology
transfer working to add production and reserves.
Leo Schrider,
Ohio (3/99 - 3/01). I
was involved with PTTC even before its official beginning.
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Although with a major
Appalachian independent, I had just finished serving a stint with the Department
of Energy's R&D group in West Virginia. From that perspective, I was never
confident that the technology developed with federal funding ever really got
into the hands of the independents who needed it. This included R&D results from
tight gas, coalbed methane and shale gas research—all areas where I found my
company facing technology needs. The potential for PTTC connecting independents
to this research drove me to work within PTTC to make the potential a reality.
There were some growing pains in the early years. Now as an adviser to O&G
investors, often in technology plays, I'm finding even more value from PTTC.
There is nowhere else that, for a nominal fee, I can go to a concise one-day
workshop and hear technology experts convey "up-to-the-minute" insights. An
example—the day after a recent PTTC workshop on stimulation for the Appalachian
Basin, I was already pursuing some technology leads. How's that for a payout.
The vendors I'm dealing with also like that payout.
Brook Phifer,
Colorado (3/04 - 3/05).
PTTC's real strength is how the local producers direct the ten regions. Each
region has a Producers’ Advisory Group (PAG) that is made of local producers,
contractors and consultants. These volunteers have the charge of identifying and
managing one region's tech transfer needs. The PAG works alongside the regional
lead organization, a university or the state geological survey, to develop the
programs, workshop ideas, and other local technology transfer services needed by
that region. This program is worked into an annual plan and budget that is then
approved by the PAG. Because of the local producers, each program is distinctive
and reflective of the needs of the various regions in the U.S. Since each of the
10 PAGs has a seat on the national board of directors, and with the coordination
between the lead organizations, specific workshops that apply across the regions
are easily incorporated into all of the applicable regions. Therefore, each
region can have a national perspective but a local emphasis. |
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