Total SA has announced that it will establish research and training facilities at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) aimed at supporting Qatar's rapid growth in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry. The Total Research Centre – Qatar (TRC-Q), which will be fully operational in late 2006, is the culmination of a long standing relationship between the State of Qatar and Total.
At a signing ceremony held at the Qatar Foundation Arnaud Chaperon, Total Group Representative in Qatar, said "We have very strong ties with Qatar that date back almost 70 years. The research centre we are planning demonstrates our commitment not only to bring cutting-edge technology to Qatar's oil and gas industry, but also to develop the country’s human capital and to safeguard the environment. The diversity of research projects we will be undertaking at QSTP reflects the breadth of Total’s operations in Qatar. This research facility will help us push the boundaries of technology in both the upstream and downstream sides of the industry. What we learn here can be used locally and in our operations around the world”.
Total plans to invest around $25 million in the research centre in its first five years, and the centre will occupy 1500 m2 of office and laboratory space at QSTP. Total will concentrate its activities in three main areas; research and development of new technologies, training, and providing technical assistance to local industries.
Dr Abdullah Al Kubaisi, Chairman of QSTP, said, "Total is one the leaders in the energy world and we are very pleased to welcome them to QSTP. We aim to make it attractive for companies to develop their technology in Qatar rather than import it from abroad, and Total is a leading example of this trend. This not only benefits the company involved, but also transfers skills to our local population."
Total’s research and development efforts will explore a variety of important technologies used in the oil and gas industry, including multiphase production, carbonate reservoir modeling, acid gas management, and the production of polymers. A key environmental initiative will be the development of new air-quality management tools, which will monitor air composition in Qatar.
Total also plans to offer more than 150 training courses to its external customers. Courses will range from specialised technical subjects including geosciences, drilling, process and petrochemistry to related areas such as safety and the environment. In addition, Total is in talks with Qatar’s academic institutes to explore collaborative research and training projects.
Qatar Science & Technology Park is creating the ideal environment in which to develop and commercialise technology. It provides world-class facilities and services for companies from around the globe, and is fostering start-up technology enterprises. Located in Qatar’s renowned Education City, QSTP tenants have access to the region’s leading research universities and their highly qualified graduates. QSTP will also be one of Qatar’s first free-trade zones, making it easy and attractive to set up a wholly-owned company in the country.
© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
