Petrobras, Foro Energy ink deal for high-power laser drilling R&D

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Houston, TX - Petrobras and Foro Energy have signed a technology cooperation agreement (TCA) for high-power laser drilling research and development. The program with the Leopoldo Americo Miguez de Mello Research & Development Center (CENPES) will focus on developing a next-generation, high-power laser drilling system. The TCA sets the framework for collaborative research between the two companies over an initial three-year time period, with the opportunity for extensions.

The ultimate goal of the collaboration will be to achieve a step change in drilling performance in the challenging pre-salt (subsalt) reservoir. High-power lasers have the potential to deliver step change performance in drilling by increased rate of penetration, extremely low weight on bit, and torque, thereby prolonging bit life and lower drilling cost per foot.

The TCA was signed by Andre Cordeiro Executive Manager of CENPES and Paul Deutch, CEO of Foro Energy. It follows a previously signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies, enabling the opportunity for wider collaboration in utilizing high-power lasers for additional applications.