Oil and gas pipelines around the world are facing a number of challenges that will shape our industry in a severe way and require us to work even more closely together than ever before in order to develop innovative solutions to these challenges. At the annual Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc) in Berlin and in the Pipeline Technology Journal (prj), we regularly cover topics, lead them into international discussion and thus support pipeline developers and operators around the world to make their pipelines safer, more reliable and more economical.

In addition to some 80 presentations on the further development of material, technology, construction and operation of pipelines, the 14th ptc will also include the two new side conferences Public Perception / Qualification & Recruitment, as well as panel discussions and plenary sessions about a number of current pipeline topics:

Illegal Tapping
Just a short while ago, a devastating pipeline explosion killed about 100 people in Mexico. The explosion was caused by illegal tapping of a fuel pipeline. This problem may be extreme in Mexico, but it certainly is not limited to this county. Even in western countries, the numbers of illegal tappings are raising.

Eurasia
Large TSOs from Asia and Eastern Europa and their technology subsidiaries are pushing their way into the markets in North America and Europe. This increases the competition in these markets, but also opens up new business opportunities in their home regions. However, there are still many hurdles to overcome in order to connect East and West.
From fossil to renewable fuels

In 2018, the European Commission adopted a strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy by 2050. The decline in the cost of renewable energies has opened the prospect of large-scale production of green hydrogen and liquid e-fuels. Pipelines could play an important role in this process.

Digital Transformation
As the energy industry is already preparing for a consistent digital transformation, another big development for improving the integrity of the systems by big data analytics will be expected. Furthermore, as manufacturers and service providers will make use of IoT tools and products, the energy industry as a critical infrastructure must also gradually improve cyber security.
Don’t waste this chance and participate in the upcoming ptc. Together we can increase the pipeline industry’s safety, reliability, and profitability.

Yours,

Admir Celovic,
Director Publications