Environmental footprint is the focus for Simon I. Andersen, internationally recognised research scientist in oil chemistry, who recently where appointed Professor at DTU’s Centre for Oil and Gas. On Friday 17 September, he gave his inaugural lecture followed by a reception, and the more than 120 participants made it a cheerful day in Glassalen at DTU.
The field of work for the new Professor is Produced Water Management, and the purpose is to minimise or even avoid disposal of unwanted chemicals from the oil production in the North Sea.
It is an ambitious goal, which obviously demands an experienced scientist and research leader with first-hand knowledge of both the industry and academia. Simon I. Andersen’s career includes jobs at DTU, Haldor Topsøe, and Schlumberger.
In the coming years, he will lead Centre for Oil and Gas’ research in how to reduce the environmental impact from oil production on seawater. It can be done through improved cleaning, by developing new green chemicals, or by re-injecting the water back into the underground, thus completely avoiding the discharge of harmful substances.
It was a coincidence that made Simon I. Andersen aware of oil as a research area, when he in 1984 participated in a study project about oil pollution. Ever since, he has been a dedicated researcher in the field of the molecular properties that impact oil production, refining processes, and oil spill. In recent years he has focused on how specific components in the oil can emulsify water and oil, thus impacting the water quality of produced water.
Simon I. Andersen is married with Christine and lives on a farm. Their three children are all educated in the social sciences, and they have accepted Simon’s need for building and refurbishing as well as his interest in culture and outdoor life.