Sphere No.49 (Aug 2019)

SPHERE #47 2019 07 ENERGY IT’S BUILDING TIME IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA It’s that time of the year when offshore construction begins in the Liuhua 29-1 deepwater gas field, part of the Liwan Gas Project in the South China Sea. Drilling and pipe-laying have already started, and first production is expected around the end of 2020. PIPELINE SAFETY FROMUP CLOSE TO OUTER SPACE HuskyMidstream is using satellites and fibre-optic sensors to keep a very, very close eye on pipelines in Canada to improve safety. Fibre-optics deliver real time data from super sensitive sensors while satellites scan surface soil, detecting soil movement down to the centimetre. HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE FOR GIRLS IN SCIENCE Husky’s Techsploration programme is giving girls access to tools and exposure to scientists through financial support, access tomentors and real experience with industry practices. Part of theWomen in Resource Development programme, Grade 9 girls in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, are getting a solid introduction to potential careers in science and engineering. HELPING THE FUEL POOR UKPower Networks has launched a £300,000 Power Partners fund that helps charities and community groups working to alleviate fuel poverty, to support people in vulnerable circumstances and tomake community buildings warmer and cheaper to heat. Fuel poverty is a real problem in the UK and UKPower Networks is committed to finding solutions that can benefit wider society. INFRASTRUCTURE Crucial test for our future Switching from natural gas to 100% hydrogen for heating homes would bring tremendous environmental gains in reducing carbon emissions. Northern Gas Networks and its partners have launched the first test facility for 100% hydrogen as part of the H21 project moving towards this grand goal. Successful results could lead to a global wave of change, helping to reduce carbon emissions. MAPPING THE UK’S UNDERWORLD NorthumbrianWater, Northern Gas Networks, local councils and other collaborating companies have pioneered an underground digital map system detailing the world under 140,000 properties in the UK’s North East. Achieving the ultimate aimof a UK-wide Underground Assets Register will improve safety conditions for workers and make roadworks more efficient and so less troublesome for local residents.