NOIA CONFERENCE: Major Gas Announcement Offshore Newfoundland

Themed Resilient & ReEnergized, the Noia Oil & Gas Conference 2021 took place at the St. John’s Convention Centre with a focus on the future, clean technology, and the benefits of local content practices for communities with resource development projects.

“Excitement and optimism could be felt on the conference floor today as the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry joined together for the first time in this way in almost two years. Noia members and conference delegates are excited for recent announcements about projects such as the Terra Nova FPSO restarting. There are good things beginning to happen again and the industry is excited to get back to work and back to where we were just under two years ago. Today was a great day to look at the challenges we have overcome and what our future may look like. I look forward to a deep dive tomorrow on how we can reach our potential,” said Charlene Johnson, Noia CEO.

The first day of conference included an address from Premier Andrew Furey who focused on the important impact the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry will have for the future and the innovation required.

ExxonMobil Canada

ExxonMobil Canada president Lazaro Cosma reaffirmed the commitment of his company to working offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.

CNOOC

CNOOC International area manager Todd Hartlaub updated delegates on their recent exploration campaign conducted during a pandemic.

Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Corporation

Jim Keating, Acting CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Corporation outlined the importance of our offshore resources.

A discussion on local content also highlighted the approach of BHP in helping the supply community participate in major projects.

LNG – GAS PROJECT ANNOUNCED

While oil has been the primary driver of the region, gas has been waiting in the wings as a valuable clean energy commodity to be developed. The NOIA conference was the place where the announcement of that historic project became a reality.

It’s been known for many years that the gas potential offshore Newfoundland was a possiblity. It took incredible minds and visions to bring the development plan to a reality.

LNG Newfoundland and Labrador, proposed a natural gas development project that starts with the central gas export hub, in the centre of the existing production fields in the Jeanne D’Arc basin.  

The gas supply is currently expected to be produced as a by-product of current oil production in the region and is being underutilized. Here lies the opportunity.

Discussions at NOIA focused on lowering carbon emissions in the offshore and a potential LNG project was presented to delegates with LNG Newfoundland and Labrdor. To review the proposed project, take a look at this video or the one provided above. It is nothing short of Impressive and a project whose time has come.

Chris Sublicki

Keynote luncheon speaker Chris Sublicki highlighted the ESG values of Canadian energy and its importance in meeting global demand. His ideas and ability to look at the big picture and put things into perspective were not only acurate but inspiring. To hear more from Chris, check him out here.

The following day at the NOIA conference included discussions on collaboration in the new normal, as well as market opportunities and operational diversification. Noia members shared their personal experiences of working together during the pandemic and the successes achieved through cooperation. Another area of discussion was how best to leverage the considerable skills and experience of members in new markets.

Suncor Energy and Cenovus Energy

Suncor Energy and Cenovus Energy provided updates on their activities in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore, including Suncor’s recent announcement about moving ahead with the Terra Nova asset life extension program. Another sign of positive things to come.

Equinor Canada

Torstein Hole, President of Equinor Canada, spoke to their plans for the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore, including the highly anticipated Bay du Nord project and plans for a related exploration program in 2022. This is good news for the province as expected oil finds will bring about a much needed flurry of economic prosperity.

Bethany Downer

The keynote lunch address on the second day of the conference was a dynamic event delivered by Newfoundland and Labrador’s Bethany Downer, Chief Communications Officer, Hubble Space and Director of Communications, STAR HARBOUR. Bethany discussed ways the oil and gas industry can leverage the space sector’s experience for sustainability and future prosperity.

Provincial Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Andrew Parsons

Provincial Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Andrew Parsons spoke during the final session and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to reenergizing and advancing Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil & gas industry and announced $1M in funding for Noia and econext for a net zero project in the offshore oil and gas industry. As well, Memorial University President Dr. Vianne Timmons spoke to delegates about the role the university will play in the province’s economic recovery.

Shave For the Brave

The Noia Oil & Gas Conference 2021 concluded with the NL Energy Shave which saw members of the offshore oil and gas industry raise over $265,000 for Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC), a national charity based in Newfoundland and Labrador that supports young adults living with cancer. Leading the NL Energy Shave, Mark Collett, COO of Crosbie, raised the largest amount in the history of YACC by shaving his head for this important cause. The conference supporth through NL Energy Shave provided incredible support. Find out more at Shave for the Brave.

Noia CEO, Charlene Johnson said, “After a difficult almost two years, the Noia Oil & Gas Conference 2021 was an important event that brought the industry back together to reenergize for the future. During the last two days we heard promising updates from offshore operators and those involved in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry supply and service sector. Information provided by operators about opportunities with the Terra Nova asset life extension project, exploration plans, and approaches to working with the supply and service sector was welcomed by delegates and all industry members. An ongoing theme at this year’s conference was collaboration and leveraging our experience to regain momentum and reach our full potential. I sincerely thank everyone, from our speakers and delegates to sponsors and volunteers, for working with us to make the Noia Oil & Gas Conference 2021 an overwhelming success.”

SPECIAL THANKS to NOIA and the staff – for all their work on this super conference!


Source and Pictures: NOIA, LNG Newfoundland and Labrador