- 14 May 2008 -

ConocoPhillips and GE collaborate in Global Water Sustainability Research Centre

ConocoPhillips and GE Water & Process Technologies have announced that GE has become an equal co-venturer in ConocoPhillips' Water Sustainability Centre (WSC) in Qatar.

Set within the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in Doha, the centre is expected to open later this year. The WSC will research and develop water solutions primarily for the petroleum and petrochemical sectors, but also will focus on municipal and agricultural solutions. According to GE, the two companies will work to develop more efficient and cost-effective treatment technologies at the WSC.

"We are very pleased that GE will join ConocoPhillips in this important endeavor," commented Mike Stice, president, ConocoPhillips Qatar. "Our vision is for the WSC to become ConocoPhillips' global corporate centre of excellence for water-related research and expertise. GE's leading-edge technologies in chemicals, equipment and advanced membranes, coupled with ConocoPhillips' industrial applications and test facilities, will help us achieve this goal."

According to GE, about 75% of the WSC's work will focus on the petroleum and petrochemical sector and about 25% on non-industrial sectors such as municipal and agriculture. Proposed uses for treated water could include crop irrigation, livestock watering, wildlife habitats, and industrial cooling, potentially leaving more fresh water available for domestic use.

Dr. Tidu Maini, executive chairman for Qatar Science & Technology Park commented: "Water sustainability is vital for Qatar and the Middle East , and central to QSTP's strategy of developing key technologies demanded by the local community. I am very pleased to see ConocoPhillips and GE join forces to advance research in this field. This is a great example of the vibrant collaboration that QSTP is designed to foster."

www.conocophillips.com

www.gewater.com