Unconventional Gas Technology Engagement Program (UGTEP) International Training

Colorado School of Mines UNGI organization is affiliated with unique technical, environmental and regulatory experts working in collaboration with oil and gas industry, state and federal government as well as other global interested stakeholders and public in addressing environmental and regulatory concerns and ensure that natural gas and oil production worldwide proceeds in a safe and responsible manner. UNGI has recently been awarded by the US Department of State with a grant to organize training programs, capacity-building engagements and workshops participation with foreign government stakeholders regarding the development of unconventional natural gas and oil, especially from technical challenges, regulatory and environmental protection, resource characterization and preparation of best practices perspectives for operational implementations under the auspices of the Department of State UGTEP Program. The program contributes transfer of the technology and development of the unconventional resources worldwide with quality environmental and regulations preventing any potential ramifications. Dr. Tutuncu has been involved in UGTEP program two years prior to receiving the grant on behalf of UNGI.

The first UNGI-UGTEP Workshop was held in January 2014 at Colorado School of Mines campus as part of the grant.

The attendees of the 2nd UNGI-UGTEP Workshop held in July 2014 at Colorado School of Mines campus after the Regularoy Panel Session.

The participants enjoying Marquez Hall and the great Colorado weather after the Panel Session in the 3rd UNGI-UGTEP Workshop was held in July at Colorado School of Mines campus.

The participants are at the Geology Field Trip investigating a Niobrara Outcrop at the 3rd UNGI-UGTEP Workshop was held in July at Colorado School of Mines campus.

Gas Leaders Training Program – Training of Professionals: Certification of Regulators and Policymakers (TOPCORP)

The inaugural TOPCORP Pilot Training was held in August 2013 at Colorado School of Mines campus with participation from regulators, policy makers and government agencies in 9 States. The picture is from a visit to Noble Niobrara fracturing operation as part of the TOPCORP Module I and Module II Engineering Field Trip component.

TOPCORP is a training program jointly developed by Colorado School of Mines UNGI, Penn State University and University of Texas at Austin with generous gifts from ExxonMobil and GE Oil and Gas. In 2015, Environmental Defense Fund has also joined TOPCORP as a sponsor. The training is geared toward regulators and policymakers at this time with a goal to provide practical knowledge applicable on the job and is established as a four-module curriculum covering (1) Petroleum Geology and Engineering Concepts, (2) Petroleum Engineering Technology, (3) Environmental Management Technology and (4) Communication and Hot Topics.