GPC Holds High-level Forum on Carbon Capture

Doha, October 18 (QNA) - The Gas Processing Center (GPC) of Qatar University held a high-level workshop "Horizons and Challenges of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)" on October 11-12, drawing local and international experts in the field. The event was part of a series of activities organized by the GPC aimed to promote and explore new research opportunities at the Center to support the local gas industry. Oryx GTL, Sasol and QAPCO were Platinum, Gold, and Silver sponsors of the event. Qatar University (QU) Vice President for Research Dr Hassan Al-Derham gave the welcoming remarks, saying, "Thank you all for participating in this high-profile event which is a golden opportunity to discuss and explore solutions for CO2 mitigation in Qatar. CCS is one of the top research priorities for the GPC as evidenced by the CO2 roadmap that was drafted for Qatar as part of the many initiatives being developed at the Center. This event is very timely given the ongoing global dialogue on climate change and carbon management". The two-day workshop discussed current trends in CCS and the challenges associated with its implementation in general, and in the state of Qatar in particular. It also drew attention to the Carbon Capture and Management Road Map developed by the GPC for Qatar and identified the major technological barriers hindering its implementation. The workshop program included presentations that highlighted high-level perspectives on CO2 Capture, storage, utilization and conversion technologies, particularly current and future trends of relevance to the state of Qatar. It also included discussion sessions among all the participants on issues related to CCS technology applications locally. Recommendations emanating from the workshop will be presented to the various stakeholders. GPC Director Prof Abdelwahab Aroussi stresssed the timeliness of the workshop as a precursor to the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP18) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held in Qatar at the end of November 2012. "The workshop goals are in line with the objectives of the COP 18 and the GPC is engaged with its consortium of national and multinational industrial companies in activities designed to de-carbonise natural gas production and utilization", he said. ORYX GTL Chief Operating Officer Etienne Rademeyer said that the company is fully committed to supporting the sustainable growth of Qatar s gas industry and its wider economy. "Workshops such as this, which leverage the broad expertise and experience of key industrial players in Qatar and world-renowned academic institutions, seek to find lasting solutions which benefit all stakeholders, and which ultimately result in a more efficient and sustainable use of our natural resources", he said. Sasol Qatar President Mr Marjo Louw said "We believe that the steps towards a reduced carbon footprint are being laid in Qatar with this workshop conducted by Qatar University. The University s Gas Processing Center, a leading academic institute, is the ideal platform for knowledge sharing and furthering advancements in this field". QAPCO Vice-Chairman & CEO Dr. Mohammed Al Mulla, stated “We fully support the efforts of GPC to bring experts in the field to Qatar University to share their research and experiences with the oil/gas and petrochemical industries. Through the participation of our research & development team and its interaction with the GPC in the area of gas processing and petrochemical operations, we are committed to environmental preservation as a key pillar in the future development of our industry and the State of Qatar".(QNA)