Joint meeting of the Ukrainian Association of Drillers, the Ukrainian Association of Geologists, the Association “Oil and Gas of Ukraine”, and the Association of Energy and Natural Resources of Ukraine

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October 29, 2024, 11:01

Topics of discussion: Geothermal energy as the main direction of green energy in the oil and gas industry. Environmental and economic aspects of waste disposal during the construction of deep wells.


  

The meeting was held within the framework of the VIII International Kyiv conference by Newfolk OGCC titled “Drilling. Well stimulation. Health, safety and environmental (HSE)” (Ukraine, Kyiv, International Exhibition Centre).

62 participants took part in the meeting, among them leading experts from academic institutions of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, government agencies, private enterprises, and public organisations.

The meeting covered project activities of the Ukrainian Association of Geologists (hereinafter referred to as UAG) within the EU research-and-innovation space, in particular, in the field of geothermal energy. Currently, UAG specialists are involved in the CRM-geothermal project (raw materials from geothermal fluids: occurrence, enrichment, extraction). Implementation period: 2022-2026. CRM-geothermal taps into a potentially huge underutilised geothermal energy resource in order to help Europe achieve strategic goals of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Agenda. The project is being implemented under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space.

UAG is also a co-executor of the GSEU (Geological Service for Europe) project, which is being implemented by a consortium of European geological survey organisations coordinated by EuroGeoSurveys.

The objectives of the project are to develop European data and information services with a focus on critical raw materials, geothermal energy resources, groundwater resources, climate change information for coastal vulnerability assessment and geological baseline information. Implementation period: 2022-2027. The project is being implemented within the framework of the Horizon Europe funding program for research and innovation, Programme: Climate, Energy and Mobility.

Under the Climate, Energy and Mobility funding program, UAG is also involved in the CEEGS (CO2-Based Electrothermal Energy and Geological Storage System) project, which aims to develop a cross-sectoral technology with a renewable energy storage system for the energy transition. Implementation period: 2022-2025.

Recognising the importance of geology in advancing almost all of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UAG monitors all major trends in the development of geological and related industries, as well as interaction mechanisms between market players in the industry. It is reflected in the project ONEGEO.COM, a global digital ecosystem. The platform is created by geologists, adherents of New Geology, the prototype of which is outlined, particularly, in the goals, objectives, and activities of the USGS, the Association of Geological Surveys of Europe (EuroGeoSurveys), and the European Federation of Geologists (EFG).

The global digital platform ONEGEO.COM is an innovative tool for integrating and spreading ecological knowledge. It brings together science, technology, and the proactive public with the aim of promoting green transformation and sustainable development. The platform aims to draw the international community's attention to the global environmental and societal challenges of the 21st century, uniting humanity's efforts to address these issues and create the green future.

The uniqueness of ONEGEO.COM lies in its ability to provide inclusive access to reliable information. The platform not only creates a space for sustainable development and ecology professionals but also acts as a tool for cooperation between different sectors and for the exchange of knowledge and experience. ONEGEO.COM also serves as a means of engaging the general public in the process of global environmental enlightenment, allowing visitors from all over the world to explore the platform's content, discover cutting-edge ideas, support and participate in solving the world's most pressing problems.

The mission of the ONEGEO.COM platform is to bring about an era of ‘Green Enlightenment’, where education and information help to shape a proper attitude towards the environment and develop social cohesion, building a sustainable world for future generations.

We invite you to cooperate and participate in projects that aim to change the future of our planet for the better!

 

For reference:

The Ukrainian Association of Geologists (UAG), as a professional institute of civil society, actively contributes to the integration of geological knowledge in order to ensure the efficient, balanced, and sustainable use of all natural resources while protecting the environment and preserving ecosystems. In response to the global challenges of the 21st century, UAG mobilises geologists and experts from various Earth science fields to actively participate in processes of sustainable development, green transformation, and transition to a greener future (The European Green Deal). This is achieved through fostering constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, both at the national level in Ukraine and globally.

Established in the year 2000 with the purpose of bringing together professionals in the fields of geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, engineering, and other disciplines related to Earth science, UAG has for many years united leading geological specialists from Ukrainian enterprises, organisations, institutions, and agencies such as The State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources of Ukraine (SSGSU), National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU), NJSC “Naftogaz of Ukraine”, NJSC “Nadra of Ukraine” etc.

In order to expand its professional network, UAG became a member of many reputable international geological public organisations in the field: European Federation of Geologists (EFG), the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), and other professional organisations. UAG participates in their events and acts as a co-executor of international projects. In 2020, UAG officially joined the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) within the framework of the “green transformation” process, as well as intensification of cooperation and development of a strategic partnership between Ukraine and the EU in the field of critical raw materials.

The UAG priorities are to promote the status of geological sciences, enhance the professional development of the association’s members, to address global challenges, expedite the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and to develop comprehensive cooperation among geologists.

UAG experts participate in different international projects. UAG projects reflect EU policy, which was announced in Brussels on April 4, 2024, by the European Federation of Geologists (EFG) and Italian National Council of Geologists (CNG): Geologists at the Centre of the Energy Transition and Climate Action. Hosted by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Aldo Patriciello on April 11 at the European Parliament, the event allowed the Federation to highlight the crucial role geologists play for society and introduce key policy recommendations to EU policymakers, aiming to strengthen the role of the geological community in supporting EU policies effectively. These recommendations outline crucial policy support necessary to empower the geological community to contribute meaningfully to EU objectives:

  1. Priority to Geological Education: It is imperative to include geological education as a focal point in the school curricula.
  2. Recognition of the Geologist Profession: Full recognition of the Geologist profession through inclusion in the EU Directive 2005/36 on Professional Qualifications.
  3. Sustainability in Resource Management: Building on the Critical Raw Materials Act, the European Union must create a favourable environment for sustainable and secure mineral supply.
  4. Investments in Renewable Energy: Policy support for investment in geothermal energy and natural hydrogen is critical for promoting a transition to low-impact energy sources.
  5. Secure Carbon Storage: Accelerating the installation of infrastructure necessary for deep and secure carbon storage.
  6. Environmental Management: Enhancing monitoring of soil and water health via the Soil Health Law.
  7. Geotourism for Environmental Awareness: By promoting the conservation and protection of our environmental heritage, geotourism contributes to fostering environmental consciousness among EU citizens.

Geological services around the world are actively transforming and adapting their missions, tasks, and methods of work to tackle modern global challenges. This evolution of geological surveys ensures their key role in supporting sustainable development and preserving natural resources for future generations. It opens up new opportunities for solving environmental, climate, and resource problems, ensuring stability and harmonious development of society.

Nataliya Cherniyenko - PhD in Geology, Corresponding Member of the Academy of Mining Sciences of Ukraine, Director of LLC “Tutkovsky Institute”.