The Gas Research Institute last week rolled out the first lineof targeted research offerings, in which companies can gainproprietary access to technical solutions by forming a partnershipwith GRI and product manufacturers. It is GRI’s first step into thecommercial world where research is determined by market need.

GRI held a pilot program in December to test the process andattracted investors on three of six offerings.

The organization has included 14 new product offers for gas andrelated energy markets under its current marketing program. Theofferings are being marketed under GRI’s new GRI Select brand. GRIanticipates that the GRI Select offers will generate between $7-8million in revenues in 1999. They’re introduction at midyear 1998is intended to coincide with the 1999 budget cycles of prospectiveclients. GRI expects to close the offers by year end 1998.

The organization plans to refine its targeted research programover the next couple years and intends to roll out $50-$70 millionin new research offerings annually under GRI Select by 2000.

“GRI Select allows participants to successfully andcost-effectively invest in new products and processes which providethe basis for competitive advantage,” said Tony Hamer, GRI seniorvice president, commercial development and services center.

The current offerings include the following: Improvedhigh-permeability completion practices, prediction of overpressurezones while drilling, international hydraulic fracture imagingconsortia, reducing the cost of offshore gas processing, hydratecontrol technologies joint industry project, global technologytransfer alliance, utility partners program – distributionservices, MarketFlex strategic information management system,development and assessment of emerging distributed resourcetechnologies, development of lower cost gas fired absorptionchiller, unitary gas engine heat pump development, gaining marketadvantage with desiccant humidification, low-cost NOx reduction forcoal-fired plants and customer information center.

Participation in each offering is limited. For more informationcall Carol Lopez at (773) 399-8200.

Rocco Canonica

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