EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Energy sector in Pakistan stands on top priority for the development of the country. Oil and Gas form the bulk of primary commercial energy supply mix of Pakistan, contributing about 81 percent and incurring an annual expenditure of over US $14 billion on its import. The depletion of Pakistan’s existing oil & gas resources combined with an increased demand of energy in the country requires optimum production from the existing fields and intensive exploration activities for the development of its indigenous resources. Pakistan with a large and potential sedimentary basin(750,000sq.km) ; an offshore and on shore prospects, need a strong technological base and expertise for meeting the energy challenges of the country in more responsible and efficient manner.
NED University of Engineering & Technology, an internationally renowned and one of the oldest public sector engineering institution in the country, considering its prime responsibility to contribute towards the achievements of National Goals, proposed a capacity building of its Department of Petroleum Engineering under the Pak-Norway Institutional Cooperation Programme (PK-3004). The proposal was submitted for the Establishment of Norwegian Centre of Excellence for Petroleum Studies in collaboration with one of the famous and internationally renowned University at Trondheim, Norway; the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Both the departments of Petroleum Engineering of the two Universities were involved.
The main objective was to develop expertise in upstream petroleum sector through development of competence in teaching and research. This was achieved through a six pronged strategy of capacity building that included MS degree and training programmes for faculty members, strengthening of laboratory resources, development of Master program and its implementation, transfer of technology and development of sustainable linkages with the collaboration partners and the industry.
The Norwegian Centre of Excellence for Petroleum Studies (NCEPS) at NED University is the foremost facility in the country aimed to develop expertise for teaching and research in Petroleum Engineering discipline. Through the establishment of this centre a significant capacity building in teaching and research have been achieved. Four faculty members have received MS degree from NTNU, training of faculty in teaching and research at NTNU, Development of Master program in collaboration with NTNU and its implementation have also been achieved. Laboratories have been strengthened through addition of research equipment and training of staff. Linkages between the two departments and the universities have also been been strengthened. The video conferencing facility developed at NED University is serving as a strong tool for effective interaction with the collaboration partners and other universities. Meetings, seminars and training workshops are being conducted both on national and international level. Initiation of research activities, sharing of technological updates, industry-academia research collaboration are in place. Exchange of administrative persons have facilitated in the development of sustainable linkages between NED UET & NTNU. Participation in the international conference has promoted linkages with other universities and interaction with research institutes and organizations.
The proposal was duly approved by the Steering Committee of Institutional Cooperation Program, Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform in July 2012 with a total budget of Rs. 2.917 NOK.. The project started in April 2013 after the release of first tranche of budget allocation and concluded in October 31, 2017. A total amount of Rs. 40.235 million was spent out of Rs. Rs. 40.350 million received.
It is strongly believed that the outcome of NCEPS will benefit the industry, the country and the region and will contribute in the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the common people of Pakistan.
The project will form a landmark in Pakistan for contribution of NTNU in institutional competence development through Pak-Norway Institutional Co-operation Programme-PK-3002.