Delivering a keynote address at a recent workshop organized jointly by Saudi Aramco and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Alkhobar, Khaled Al-Buraik spoke about energy’s ever-increasing importance to future global development, the limitations of new energy sources, and the growing role of technology in the global development quest.

He addressed the issue of energy source alternatives such as nuclear, solar and biofuel, and the challenges and safety aspects that go along with each source; stating that hydrocarbon resources continue to remain as the most reliable source.

Responding to concerns about the ever-increasing global demand for energy, Al-Buraik said: “The estimate of global unconventional gas in place is approximately 35,000 trillion cubic feet, compared to only 6,400 trillion cubic feet of currently proven conventional gas.”

While highlighting the role of artificial lift technologies, Al-Buraik said that while they have been used for 100 years, the techniques have remained the same, and advancing them requires collaborative efforts between stakeholders.

“First is to upgrade the current technology to the next generation in development, and the second is to come up with an iPad like artificial lift technology. I believe it is a shared responsibility between the technology designers and manufacturers, and the operators,” Al-Buraik said.

“I can assure suppliers and service companies that you do not carry this responsibility alone,” he said.

He spoke of Saudi Aramco’s commitment in embracing new technologies with current and new partners to come up with solutions to global energy challenges. Saudi Aramco’s long experience in establishing win-win partnerships can help foster further technological collaborations, he said.

“Saudi Aramco has made a commitment to advance artificial lift technologies with funding, facilities and experts. I am personally interested to collaborate with you and your company to develop new artificial lift ideas and I can pledge my willingness to discuss these ideas and make the efforts needed to bring them to reality,” Al-Buraik said.