SERI ISKANDAR, Malaysia, Feb. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has signed an agreement for a research grant with TotalEnergies EP Malaysia (TotalEnergies) to collaborate in developing and implementing state-of-the-art optical fibre sensing technologies for subsurface fluids monitoring stored underground.

From left: Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, Mohamed Firouz Asnan, Azmir Zamri and Xavier Faugeras at the signing ceremony.

The partnership aims to enhance the understanding and management of subsurface fluids, including carbon storage as well as oil and gas field systems, using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) Imaging, fibre-optic seismic sensing technologies and predictive analytics and data visualisation using machine learning.

Signing the agreement on behalf of UTP was Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, while TotalEnergies was represented by its General Manager Xavier Faugeras.

The signing was witnessed by PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management(MPM), Mohamed Firouz Asnan and PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Resource Exploration MPM Azmir Zamri. 

According to Mohamed Ibrahim, "We are excited to be working together with TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale on this research project.  

"The partnership will bring together the expertise and resources of both parties focusing on the use of optical fibre sensing technologies, backed by data acquisition, subsurface visualisation, and image interpretation aided with cloud-based computing which will result in an effective solution for monitoring subsurface fluids," he said.

"This collaboration is a testament to UTP's continuous effort in realising its aspiration to become a leader in technology education and a centre of excellence for creativity and innovation.  It is also in support of PETRONAS' energy transition initiatives to move towards Net Zero Carbon Emission (NZCE).

"As a leading university, UTP plays a vital role in exploring new technological innovation and invention to future-proof our institution.  We aim to be the technology solutions provider for the industry through our expertise, experience and research facilities that meet the industry needs and standards," Mohamed Ibrahim added.

Meanwhile, Faugeras said, "TotalEnergies is very pleased to partner with UTP on this research project on a promising subject of fibre optics monitoring. At a time where we need to solve the challenges of energy transition, it is a great opportunity to develop links with a prime academy in Malaysia."

On the same day, there was also an engagement session and a tour of UTP campus for key delegates of Petroleum Arrangement Contractors (PAC) operating in Malaysia from ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc., EnQuest Petroleum Production Malaysia Ltd., Hess Exploration and Production Malaysia B.V., Jadestone Energy (PM) Inc., Mubadala Energy, Petrofac (Malaysia-PM304) Limited, SK Earthon Co. Ltd., TotalEnergies EP Malaysia, POSCO International E&P Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Sea Hibiscus Sdn. Bhd., Hibiscus Oil & Gas Malaysia Limited, Shell, JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration (Malaysia) Limited, International Petroleum Corporation Malaysia B.V., PTT Exploration and Production, SapuraOMV Upstream (Sarawak) Inc. and  ConocoPhillips Malaysia.

This is one of PETRONAS' initiatives to strengthen UTP-industry collaboration. As UTP is preparing the workforce for the industry, both events provide opportunities for the industry to be involved, contribute and play an active role in developing and moulding the students into the employees that the industry desires.

About Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)

UTP was established in 1997 and is a leading private university in Malaysia.

UTP offers a wide range of industry-relevant engineering, science and technology programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.  It aims to produce well-rounded graduates with excellent leadership qualities and communication abilities. 

The university has produced more than 22,000 graduates from over 60 countries and has become one of the main feeders within the region in producing competent talents and workforce.

It currently has an enrolment of above 1,200 foundation students, more than 4,300 undergraduates and over 1,100 postgraduates from more than 40 countries around the world.

The university conducts extensive research activities in collaboration with PETRONAS and other institutions and industries, locally and abroad, on six research focus and niche areas. They are self-sustainable building, transport infrastructure, health analytics, hydrocarbon recovery, contaminant management and autonomous systems.  For more information, visit www.utp.edu.my

Source: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)