GE, and water technology specialist Memsys Clearwater Pte. Ltd, have signed an agreement to develop membrane distillation (MD) technology for the fast-growing shale gas exploration sector.
Under the agreement, GE is to invest in technology testing and will in return receive an exclusive license for the use of the technology in applications such as coal seam gas and shale gas extraction.
Memsys’ MD technology is designed to reduce the environmental impact associated with the extract of unconventional gas resources such as shale gas. It can treat the high-saline waters produced during gas extraction and memsys is the first solution based on MD technology that is commercially viable and suitable for use by large gas extraction projects, says GE.
Unconventional gas resources are extracted using a technique known as hydraulic fracturing. The industry has experienced massive growth in the USA over the last 5-10 years but environmental groups have raised concerns over the impact that hydraulic fracturing has, particularly on water resources.
GE’s position in the global energy and water markets makes it an ideal partner for memsys. “[Memsys’] technical expertise, combined with our own water technology leadership and business presence in the unconventional resource segment, make our agreement with memsys a unique, exciting collaboration,” said Jeff Connelly, VP at GE Power & Water.
