UAE leadership employs oil wealth in nation-building, says Shell Official

Abu Dhabi, Dec 5, 2011 (WAM) - Dr. John Barry, Shell's Vice President of Technical '&' Production MENA, Abu Dhabi Country Chair, has said that the next phase will see more joint ventures with ADNOC in the field of oil exploration and production. He told Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an interview that Shell has been committed to working in Abu Dhabi for about 70 years and contributed to the development of oil and gas industry, being a long time key partner in the oil industry in the UAE. Barry hailed the role of the wise UAE leadership, adding that "We continue to work in this historic moment to boost the development of the UAE." He added that the leadership invested oil wealth to build a modern state compared to none in the region, and deserves admiration because it has made a miracle in the middle of the desert during the four decades, a short period of time in the age of nations and peoples. Barry said the company in Abu Dhabi has assigned many of the specialised technical experts to work in the ADNOC Group of Companies, pointing out that it is working to provide development opportunities in the global Shell Group for a number of ADNOC experts. He explained that Shell Abu Dhabi has a vital joint projects with GASCO and ADCO companies to provide the energy needs of Abu Dhabi and other UAE emirates, expecting increase in domestic demand for energy over the next decade due to the industrial and urban expansions, and acceleration of the pace of economic growth in the UAE. Barry said that the great challenge at present is to provide additional quantities of gas to meet the needs of the UAE of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and search for new sources through the development of fields and further exploration. He added that Shell Abu Dhabi provides necessary expertise and technology for the development of human resources working in the UAE's oil industry through training them abroad or in the state, stressing that the UAE is focal interest of Shell. In response to a question about the Social Responsibility of Shell Abu Dhabi, Dr. Barry said the company is committed to cooperation with the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy to support the scientific and academic research, adding that it supports the Khalifa Fund through the sponsoring of the "start programme" to provide support to small and medium enterprises for young Emiratis. He confirmed that the company is continuing in long-term partnership with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi for awareness and environmental education. He pointed out that half a million students have benefited from the programme of environmental marathon in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi during the past years. Barry explained that Shell Abu Dhabi has close relationship with the Emirates Foundation since its inception in 2005. It supported the foundation's many programmes and initiatives. The company also supports the Future Centre in Abu Dhabi for children with special needs. Shell cooperates with the Petroleum Institute of Abu Dhabi National Company (ADNOC) by providing experts, specialists, and educational programmes. He pointed out that the protection of environment is a priority for Shell, which is working to reduce carbon emissions through establishment of projects for the manufacture of gas instead of burning it in the air. Barry said that Shell Abu Dhabi participated in the Middle East Gas Forum, held at Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi on October 30, 2011, with high-level delegation, besides the officials, investors, businessmen, scientists, experts, researchers and decision-makers, who discussed the policy issues for the gas industry and its technology through a multifaceted approach to reach tangible results that would help address the challenges facing the world today in this area. He said that Shell's focus during the next phase is to develop the natural gas projects globally, being a better clean fuel compared to coal power generation and other liquids to convert it to electrical energy. Barry stressed that the gas is less expensive in the process of generating electricity against concentrated solar, photovoltaic, and wind energies, and onshore and offshore wind energy, in addition the gas is cheaper than nuclear power and coal in power generation. Dr Barry said, this does not mean that the renewable energy sources are not important, but natural gas is very important for energy generation and conservation of the environment .. He pointed out that concentrated solar power and offshore and onshore wind energies depend on the weather, while gas can be used at all times to generate the energy needed. Dr Barry said the gas, fills the shortfall caused by the sun and wind energies, and integrate with these two sources of renewable energy without competition, pointing out the fears cited by the officials in the past on relying on the natural gas, but it has been proven that the current gas reserves in the world are sufficient for consumption for over 200 years. - Emirates News Agency, WAM