Research and development programmes worth some NOK 150 million are to be pursued by Gassco next year. Safety, the environment and capacity utilisation will remain red threads in all R&D areas.

The company’s R&D strategy for 2010-2015 focuses on safety and the environment. At the same time, the door is opened to collaboration with industry and educational bodies which offer advanced expertise in order to tackle the complex challenges faced jointly.

Gassco intends to continue developing the competitive advantages of Norwegian natural gas in Europe through a business-oriented R&D portfolio.

The R&D strategy is designed to strengthen the company’s core business areas. Key areas include gas quality and transport capacity, along with pipelines and gas processing plants.

Both pipelines and plants face aging challenges, and a number of projects have been initiated to enhance the robustness of these facilities in a long-term perspective. Substantial challenges are also faced in relation to gas quality and transport capacity, where Gassco aims to secure optimum utilisation of the transport network. At the same time, the company will ensure that European customers get the right gas quality. Gas fields change over time, while new discoveries with different properties are phased into the system. Gassco handles this today and will continue to do so in the future.

“We’re focusing strongly on big development projects to meet complex challenges in the gas value chain,” says Kristin Kinn Kaste, executive vice president for technology at Gassco.“In addition, preliminary studies and technology monitoring will ensure that we keep constantly updated in disciplines relevant for our business.”

Improvement and value creation

As operator of the Norwegian gas transport system, Gassco is responsible for the safety and efficiency of the pipeline network and the processing plants at all times. The company’s R&D programme for next year extends an invitation for collaboration to partners who face the same challenges.

“We need able partners with the willingness and ability to overcome the common challenges which confront us,” confirms Ms Kaste. “With our eye on the future, we’ve identified R&D areas where we want to work closely with the supplies industry and the educational sector. Much needs to be done on the future challenges we see.”

Tags: Gassco