Today, corporations, individuals and governmental bodies are focused on finding new sources of energy to power future growth and development – and understandably so. The International Energy Agency estimates that by 2030, the world’s energy demand will be 40 percent more than it was in 2007. At the same time, countries are seeking ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and exploring alternatives to off-shore oil drilling to reduce the risk of events such as the current situation in the Gulf of Mexico.

Natural gas has the potential to meet these future energy needs. But while the opportunities are great, so are the challenges involved in extracting it from the earth. Unconventional gas sources – shale and tight gas, and coal seam gas offer the most viable source – require innovative drilling methods for energy companies to reach this underground energy supply.

With the public’s health and best interest in mind, and to combat the effect unconventional gas mining and the hydraulic fracturing or “fraccing” process can have on water quality and availability in surrounding areas, research and progress is underway to initiate a means of treating and reusing water for industrial and municipal purposes, eliminating the need to dispose of it in evaporation ponds, remove it from the facility on trucks, or risk having it seep into neighboring streams and water sources. We’re also developing methods that enable the management and optimization of water resources inside and outside the field, and help natural gas drilling facilities convert wastewater into beneficial byproducts.

GE is working, for example, with a North American gas producer on a pilot study around safe alternative energy exploration and the disposal of processed water. To address how to safely clean and dispose of water that’s been used in the gas extraction process, we developed and provided a filter that successfully removed more than 95 percent of the suspended solids from the water. The filter also provided a significant reduction in chemicals present in the water – such as sulphate-reducing and acid-producing bacteria – from more than one million cfu/ml to near zero. Not only do these advancements present the potential for improved operations at lower cost, it more importantly keeps harmful chemicals contained without risking their contact with humans and the environment.

Ultimately, we simply cannot risk or accept the environmental and human health consequences that have been seen in cases when an effort to address one challenge – meeting increased demands for energy by mining new sources – creates an even larger problem like compromising public water quality. That’s why we’re collaborating with leading universities, researchers and water quality experts to develop solutions.

Our partnerships are designed to help industries, governments and individuals achieve several important objectives vital to a sustainable future – enabling safe energy exploration that is environmentally responsible to find the energy resources needed now and in the future, and using technology and expertise to safeguard natural resources. In helping companies meet current regulations and anticipate future restrictions with a portfolio of options that enhance efficiencies, reduce costs and manage and overcome challenges, we’re enabling them to succeed in an ever-evolving industry by supporting increased industrial productivity, environmental responsibility and community well-being.