Press Release
Back to Menu  2004 05 21 LF

2001 03 14
New Canadian Natural Gas Technology Transfer Program
(Renamed to CTTA - Canadian Technology Transfer Agent)

(Calgary, AB - March 14, 2001)  PTAC Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada and Gas Technology Institute (GTI) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a 3-year agreement for PTAC to provide a Canadian Regional Technology Transfer Agent (RTTA) Program to the upstream natural gas industry. This program will be funded primarily by GTI. The purpose of this program is to provide the required technology transfer capability, and resources, to enable GTI and other technology providers to commercialize natural gas technologies needed within the Canadian natural gas industry.  This technology transfer is expected to assist in the challenge of expanding an economical and environmentally friendly supply of natural gas for North American energy markets.

PTAC will continue to function as an independent facilitator, a role it has maintained since inception in 1996.  PTAC will be responsible for overall management of the RTTA program and has been contracted to:

  1. Facilitate natural gas technology transfer including assessment of producer's technology needs;
  2. Organize and host technology transfer events; and,
  3. Provide access to non-proprietary natural gas technology information via a newly created "Natural Gas Technology Centre."  The Centre will provide ready access to information on commercially available advanced natural gas exploration, production and processing technologies from GTI and other technology providers.

PTAC will facilitate the process of identifying opportunities for technology application, seek input on industry's technology needs, and organize joint industry events and projects using an open planning and technology transfer process.  Technology providers will have the opportunity to participate on a level playing field in the process of technology transfer, including the Natural Gas Technology Centre, subject to PTAC's usual requirements.

PTAC is also pleased to announce that Denis Gaudet, P.Eng, of Calgary Alberta has been selected as Director of Technology Transfer. Mr. Gaudet graduated from the University of Alberta in 1973 and has worked most of his career in the Canadian oil and gas service sector.  He has also worked in overseas operations and recently was Vice President of Technical Services for Canadian Fracmaster Ltd. He has served as a Board member of PTAC since 1997 and will provide strong leadership in facilitating technology transfer in the Canadian Natural Gas Industry.

PTAC members are invited to contribute to the planning of or participation in RTTA program events.  Members are also encouraged to provide non-proprietary natural gas technology information to the Natural Gas Technology Centre.  For further information please contact Denis Gaudet of PTAC at (403) 218-7710, email:

Background
PTAC is a not-for-profit association that facilitates innovation, technology development, technology transfer and research to improve the financial, environmental and safety performance of the Canadian upstream oil and gas industry.  PTAC provides a mechanism for collaboration in all aspects of the process from fundamental research to technology commercialization for all players.  PTAC acts as a matchmaker for organizations that need technology or research, and those that are able to supply applicable solutions.  For further information on PTAC, please visit PTAC's informative website at www.ptac.org or contact Arlene Merling of PTAC at (403) 218-7702, email:

GTI (formerly GRI), based in the Chicago area, offers research and technical services, R&D program management, technology commercialization, and education and training programs.  These programs benefit the natural gas industry and its customers and provide technology-based solutions to individual organizations.  Its E&P Services Division is based in Houston, with offices in Denver, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Calgary and Chicago.  For further information on GTI, please visit GTI's website at www.gastechnology.org or contact Paul Smolarchuk of GTI E&P Services Canada Inc. at (403) 263-3000 ext. 229, email: paul.smolarchuk@gastechnology.org

For further information,
please contact: 		Arlene Merling, PTAC
Director, Operations
phone: (403) 218-7702
fax: (403) 920-0054

www.ptac.org

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© 2001 PTAC