The international oil and gas forum OGT-2022 continues its activities in Ashgabat. Drew Powell, director of project management at Gaffney, Cline & Associates, who participated in this event, told the CentralAsia.news correspondent about the activities and future plans of his enterprise, and also assessed the opportunities for further development of the oil and gas and energy industries in Turkmenistan.
Drew, tell us about yourself and your company first. What does Gaffney Cline do and what is your role in it?
– Our company was founded in the United Kingdom. My main job in it is to monitor the timely launch and completion of projects that the company implements in various countries, in accordance with the contracts concluded with them in the oil industry. My work experience includes business and project management, strategy, commercial valuation, exploration and production operations for major oil companies, contractors and consultants. I am also the company's regional director for Turkmenistan, where I support the local team in working with oil, gas and other important areas.
Are there any projects you are currently working on?
- I think that 2 or 3 more projects may appear in the near future, as we are currently actively discussing this issue with our Turkmen partners.
What do you think, what is the energy future of Turkmenistan and how promising is the country in the global energy market?
- Turkmenistan is an actively developing state, which annually expands the geography of exports not only of oil and gas products, but also of energy. Of course, we are looking to the future. In this regard, I believe that in the near future, Turkmen gas will be exported through the trans-Caspian system to southern Europe, which will help increase exports and incomes under a number of conditions.
How soon do you think TAPI can be launched?
- It is difficult to say exactly when the TAPI project will be fully prepared and launched. This is due to technical and political issues that need to be agreed between the parties and resolved. But, in principle, I think it is possible in the next five years.
Can you share your company's plans for the near future, when will there be any expansion plans and such?
We are a relatively small business. We have representative offices in the UK, in Houston, in Singapore, and an office in Almaty to provide timely assistance to the region. Our future plans are to establish new and strengthen old contacts and conclude a number of contracts for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Last question sir, is this your first time participating in the OGT forum or have you been here before?
– This is not the first time I attend such a conference. The last time I was here was in 2018-2019. I really liked the organization of this event, where there are many opportunities to communicate with like-minded people who are interested in the region. I would also like to note about the city of Ashgabat itself, which is very beautiful and attractive and which was pleasant and interesting to visit.
