Dr. Brian Twomey concluded an enriching experience touring the heartland of the United States from 3 to 13 December 2024 as part of his SPE Distinguished Lecturer Series.

From the picturesque, snow-covered (and freezing!) landscapes of Michigan to the expansive, windy plains of Wyoming, Dr Twomey had an invaluable and unique sharing session with the local sections about the critical necessity of proactive decommissioning and well-plugging and abandonment (D&A) planning.

Coming from an offshore decommissioning background, he was grateful for the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with the members about the complexities of onshore decommissioning and the overlapping and common challenges in these fields.

While admiring the breathtaking scenery from the plane, it was hard not to notice the onshore oilfields below. This stark juxtaposition poignantly reminds us of the critical need for safe and responsible decommissioning of these sites.

The onshore oil and gas industry faces significant decommissioning challenges in the US, including removing thousands of wells, pipelines, and other infrastructure. On a personal note, Dr Twomey learned so much from the local communities about the importance of regulation and its effect on liability and economics to the US oil and gas industry.

It was clear that understanding the historical background is key to identifying a feasible solution for the future. While mistakes were made in the past, it was refreshing to hear how the locals are on a journey of learning and adapting to the current market situation to establish a better future. Through the highly engaging sessions, Dr Twomey was humbled to experience such camaraderie between industry players and regulators who openly discussed the best way to resolve a century-old dilemma.

Despite the wintry conditions accompanying his journey, engaging with SPE members in Lansing, Traverse City, Pontiac, Tulsa, and Casper was a genuine pleasure. Their enthusiastic participation and thought-provoking questions made each event a stimulating dialogue.

Delivering a DL talk during winter in the US was no easy feat. Flights were delayed or cancelled, and the roads were slippery (kudos to all the taxi drivers who braved the weather). It was a challenging but memorable journey. It was also Dr Twomey’s first visit to the US in a long time, and seeing how the landscape had changed was remarkable.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, especially in the harsh weather conditions. Your commitment to embracing sustainable decommissioning and abandonment practices is commendable and essential for fostering a responsible future.