Oil giant BP funds new research centre at the University of Surrey
Tuesday 30 October 2012
BP is investing $7 million to establish a research group at the University of Surrey to study fundamental science and recovery processes related to heavy and viscous oils.
These oils form a significant proportion of the world’s remaining crude oil resources and research is required to improve efficiency of development.
The Centre for Petroleum and Surface Chemistry (BP-CPSC) will comprise academic and technical staff including post-doctoral fellows and post-graduate students located in their own facilities within the Department of Chemistry.
“The research will be used to help improve recovery and minimize the impact of heavy and viscous oil production globally,” said Chris West, of BP’s unconventional oil technology group.
Dr Spence Taylor, Director of the new BP-CPSC at the University, said that “BP’s investment in the CPSC provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire and apply key scientific knowledge that will help to unlock heavier oils from their reservoirs.
“This will enable the responsible exploitation of this valuable resource in years to come. Our goal of improving all aspects of recovery will be centred on chemistry but will benefit from a broader multidisciplinary approach.
“In addition, being affiliated to the Department of Chemistry, it is hoped that the Centre will also inspire the development of new undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes relating to petroleum chemistry.”
Media Enquiries
Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 686141, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
