In this episode, Elena Melchert, sat down with Zach Liu, Director of CCUS Subsurface at Harvest Stone Low Carbon Partners, to explore the complex regulatory and technical landscape of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) permitting. Recorded live at the SPE-AAPG-SEG 2025 CCUS Conference in Houston, Texas, this conversation dives into key permitting challenges, strategies for project success, and the evolving role of subsurface expertise in advancing low-carbon initiatives.

Whether you’re a project developer, geoscientist, or policy stakeholder, this discussion offers valuable insights on aligning technical rigor with regulatory frameworks in the CCUS space.

Episode Links 

Harvestone CCS video: https://youtu.be/WVs15-dJIFM?si=pEI67yW9T-slXGtC

Shenhai Salt Well: https://sichuanadventure.com/portfolio/shenhai-salt-well/

Gas bag bus images: https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en/wolinsky/zigong-buses-run-on-natural-gas-held-in-bags-on-the-roof-1984-photo/photograph/asset/8718893?offline=1

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In this episode, Elena Melchert, Host, talks with Malc Kent, Viridien, about the evolution of Viridian, its legacy in the oil and gas industry, and the innovations in CO2 sequestration and seismic data. He shares his personal journey in the industry, emphasizing the value of beginning his career production. The discussion also covers the role of industrial emissions in the context of carbon capture and storage (CCS), the significance of high-performance computing and data centers, and the potential of AI in CCS.

https://www.viridiengroup.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/malckent

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In this conversation, Host, Elena Melchert interviews David Riesenberg who discusses the significance of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) in addressing climate change. They explore the technical, regulatory, and operational aspects of CCUS, including the history of CO2 injection, the importance of monitoring and regulatory frameworks, and the international landscape of CCUS initiatives. The discussion highlights the technological advancements in CO2 storage and the geological considerations necessary for effective implementation. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of CCUS and its potential role in the energy sector.

https://adv-res.com

https://ccusevent.org/2025

https://www.iso.org/committee/648607.html

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In this episode, Elena Melchert discusses the critical role of water in the oil and gas industry with guests Nick Nicholas and Andrea Bautista. They explore the complexities of produced water, its treatment, and the economic implications of water management. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainability and collaboration in addressing water challenges, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions based on water quality and local regulations.

Episode Links 

JPT Water Management https://jpt.spe.org/water-management-2024 

SPE Paper Sustainable Solutions for Contaminant Management in Produced Water SPE-221002-MS 

Unixporter LLC https://unixporter.com/contact/  

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 In this episode of the Oil and Gas Upstream podcast, host Elena Melchert discusses the importance of sustainability and decarbonization in the oil and gas industry with guests Trey Schaffer, Senior Partner, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and Farshid Mostowfi, Technology Advisor and Environmental Sustainability Champion, SLB.   They explore the origins of the Decarbonization Congress, the evolution of the GAIA program, and the collaborative efforts that have made the event successful. The conversation highlights the industry’s commitment to addressing climate change and the importance of engaging with students and future professionals in the field.

Episode Links 

https://www.spegcs.org/decarbonization-congress-accelerating-decarbonization-of-ep-operations/  SPE Gulf Coast Section, Decarbonization Congress 2025

Trey Shaffer linkedin.com/in/treyshaffer

erm.com (ERM) Environmental Resources Management

Farshid Mostowfi   linkedin.com/in/farshid-mostowfi-592a453b

SLB https://www.slb.com/ 

spegcs.org (SPE Gulf Coast Section)

spe.org (SPE International)

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In this episode of the Oil and Gas Upstream podcast, host Elena Melchert discusses the importance of sustainability and decarbonization in the oil and gas industry with guests Trey Schaffer, Senior Partner, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and Farshid Mostowfi, Technology Advisor and Environmental Sustainability Champion, SLB.   They explore the origins of the Decarbonization Congress, the evolution of the GAIA program, and the collaborative efforts that have made the event successful. The conversation highlights the industry’s commitment to addressing climate change and the importance of engaging with students and future professionals in the field.

Episode Links 

https://www.spegcs.org/decarbonization-congress-accelerating-decarbonization-of-ep-operations/  SPE Gulf Coast Section, Decarbonization Congress 2025

Trey Shaffer linkedin.com/in/treyshaffer

erm.com (ERM) Environmental Resources Management

Farshid Mostowfi   linkedin.com/in/farshid-mostowfi-592a453b

SLB https://www.slb.com/ 

spegcs.org (SPE Gulf Coast Section)

spe.org (SPE International)

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In this conversation, Elena Melchert and Lachlan Hughson discuss the intersection of finance and engineering within the oil and gas industry. They explore the importance of upgrading the finance function to improve decision-making, the role of software in financial modeling, and the impact of financial decisions on society. Lachlan emphasizes the need for a probabilistic approach in finance, akin to engineering practices, to better understand risks and returns. He also touches on current market challenges to provide real-world examples of how improved financial models can aid in investment decisions and mergers and acquisitions.

Episode Links 

Website: https://4-dresourcesadvisory.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlanhughson/

Articles & Thought Pieces: https://4-dresourcesadvisory.com/media/

SPE Paper: https://onepetro.org/SPEATCE/proceedings/24ATCE/24ATCE/D031S039R003/563782?searchresult=1

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In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews James Deckelman, CEO of Blue Energies, discussing the company’s upcoming public listing and its strategic positioning in the oil and gas sector. They explore the dynamic market conditions, the advantages of a reconnaissance license, and the potential impact of Blue Energies’ operations in Liberia. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in deep water exploration and the transformative potential for the Liberian economy

 www.blu-energies.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluenergies-ltd

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In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Matthew Stevenson, Chief Revenue Officer of Svante, a carbon management company focused on innovative carbon capture technologies. They discuss the importance of carbon capture in addressing climate change, the company’s journey towards commercialization, and the technological advancements that make Svante’s approach unique. The conversation also covers the financial aspects of carbon capture, the necessary workforce skills, and the partnerships that are essential for success in the carbon management industry. Matthew emphasizes the need for continued investment and innovation to meet global carbon capture targets and highlights the exciting future of industry.

Episode Links 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/svantesolutions

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-stevenson-23764315

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In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with David Boggs, Managing Director of Energy Maritime Associates. They discuss the floating production industry, the evolution of LNG in the US, and the various types of offshore facilities such as FPSOs, FSOs, TLPs, and SPARs. David shares insights into the lifecycle of these facilities, their maintenance, and the logistics involved in transporting LNG. The conversation highlights the significant role of offshore energy in the global market and the advancements in technology and infrastructure that have shaped the industry. In this conversation, David Boggs discusses the evolution of offshore production facilities, the massive scale of these platforms, and the challenges faced in extending their operational life. He shares his personal journey into the oil and gas sector, highlighting the importance of market intelligence in navigating the complexities of offshore projects. The conversation also delves into the commercial challenges that often delay projects, emphasizing the need for effective connections between investors and technical solutions.

www.linkedin.com/in/david-boggs-ema

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