Understanding the Carbon Lifecycle Implications of the GTL Process (2008)

Continuing growth in energy demand and higher crude prices are fuelling interest in gas-to-liquids (GTL) production opportunities. Current trends towards alternate energy are adding to the general consensus favouring GTL. Specifically, as it is a potential source for clean, low sulphur diesel that can be produced from otherwise unusable 'stranded' natural gas. However, it is important to recognise the carbon lifecycle implications of the process. The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) chemical reaction, which uses catalysts to form a liquid from a mixture of natural gas and steam, creates significant quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This workshop will conduct a detailed review of the carbon lifecycle emissions associated with the FT process. Attendees will learn about the carbon footprint of the GTL production process, and its potential impact on the carbon and reputational value of the primary diesel product. The potential value-at-stake from increasing climate change regulations will be assessed, as will options for reducing the carbon footprint of the FT process.

About your workhsop leaders:

Ravi Kantamaneni, Senior Manager, ICF

Ravi Kantamaneni is a Manager with ICF. He has more than ten years of consulting experience focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) policy, economic analysis, inventory, and project management. Currently, he is supporting the implementation of carbon management strategies for several organisations. Mr. Kantamaneni is assisting them with the development of their carbon footprints, and advising them on emission reduction strategies, including internal abatement and energy sourcing options. For oil and gas companies, he has managed and conducted studies to audit facilities, verify emissions reductions associated with project-level activities; and assisted companies to develop protocols to monitor and verify GHG emissions and reduction projects. Mr. Kantamaneni has developed technical expertise in the analysis of GHG emissions and mitigation, and a good understanding of GHG inventories. He has conducted numerous US and international workshops providing training to industry on the environmental and financial opportunities associated with reducing GHG emissions. He has an MS degree in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College, London, UK and an MS in Env

Bader Metouri, Vice President LNG Group, ICF

Bader Metouri has 35 years experience in the natural gas and LNG industry and has been involved in the operation, management and engineering of LNG liquefaction plants, gas treatment facilities and natural gas projects. Mr. Metouri has recent exposure to the Lake Charles/Port Arthur LNG hub in the U.S. where he conducted a technical due diligence of an LNG terminal.  He has successfully operated, maintained and managed LNG Plants (Sonatrach) and initiated the de-bottlenecking program of one major plant to increase production capacity by 30%.  Mr. Metouri has also managed the engineering of an LNG project (Qatargas) in close interface with the upstream facilities and the LNG terminals to optimize design and contributed to the negotiations of the LNG sale and purchase agreement and feedstock gas supply agreement and negotiated major long lead items procurement contracts.  He advised Oman Government on structuring an LNG project (Oman LNG) with major partners (Shell, Total), optimizing the scale and configuration of the LNG facilities and negotiating the various project agreements including financing agreement. 
Mr. Metouri has worldwide exposure having worked in Algeria, Qatar, United Kingdom, France, Oman and the U.S.  He speaks English, Arabic and French and holds a B. S. in Fuel Engineering from University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
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About ICF:

ICF International is a global professional services firm. We partner with government and commercial clients to deliver consulting services and technology solutions in energy, climate change, environment, transportation, social programs, health, defense, and emergency management. ICF has been providing services in the area of climate change since the mid-1980s and its expertise extends to policy design and analysis, corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and reporting, GHG emissions abatement cost analysis, design and analysis of emissions market mechanisms, project-based mechanisms and carbon finance, and programs to reduce energy and carbon intensity.  ICF has developed a suite of Climate Strategy products and decision-support systems to help companies manage their GHG emissions and develop coherent carbon reduction and trading strategies.

Sample list of private sector clients on climate change:

BP, Gaz de France, Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Petro-Canada, PetroBras, BHP Billiton, Hydro, Duke Energy, International Power, Scottish and Southern Energy, Dupont, Rhodia, Air Liquide, Corus, Alcan, Lafarge, International Paper, Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Nike, HSBC Group, HBOS plc, ABN AMRO, Barclays Bank plc, Caisse des Depots, BNP Paribas, SwissRe, News Corporation, Daily Mail and General Trust, Ebay, Yahoo!, Swire Pacific, Finlays, London Underground, Metronet Rail, Airbus, SITA, GSK, CB Richard Ellis, etc.
ironmental Engineering from Washington State University, US.