Water in Oil and Gas

The water and energy sectors, though commonly considered separately for the purposes of reporting and analysis, are growing closer and closer together. Growing water demand with global population expansion requires more energy to treat and transport water. Likewise, emerging energy technologies both in oil and gas production and refining are growing more and more water-intensive. Produced water, or the water that comes to the surface with hydrocarbons during production, remains a challenge for operators in terms of treatment and disposal. Each well produces about 10 times more water than it does hydrocarbon. Also, climate change affects global water availability, which in turn affects the water available for oil and gas operations.