About Black Reiver Consulting
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Black Reiver Consulting is an organisation that specialises in well construction training for upstream disciplines.
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Consultancy for project feasibility, training and competency profiling and assessment.
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Expert witness services for disputes involving well construction operations and equipment.
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Competency assessment and management
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Expert oversight of third party training programmes
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Assistance with due diligence for well construction finance
Kevin Gray
DIRECTOR
Kevin can offer the experience of over 5000 days of operational experience and operations support positions from an oilfield career of over 31 years as well as working as lead trainer for a multi award winning ERD engineering team based in Perth Scotland.
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Kevin has been consistently the highest rated drilling training instructor in a major multinational training company over the last four years and throughout his offshore career was repeatedly graded in top 5% within both offshore and onshore positions for the largest oilfield service company.
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Kevin has designed and overseen the delivery of multi week training programs for offshore drilling, well intervention and fluid supervisors for a number of clients. This has included competency assessment and skills gap analysis throughout the programs.
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Kevin is also able to draw on his well documented teaching skills to deliver courses or programs in directional drilling and surveying, stuck pipe, extended reach drilling and various other drilling related subject areas. He wrote the first Operation support centre SOP for directional drilling which was later adopted globally. In addition, he has designed and delivered various 'Real Time Centre' training courses including human dynamics training. In his former role as directional drilling coordinator, based in Aberdeen he still holds a number of world records for drilling achievements with motor and RSS tools.
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In his earlier career he led an offshore team that developed the first multi axis drill vibration measurement tool to report measurements in real time, and subsequently wrote the core documentation on vibration control for D&M.
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Later he was responsible for the introduction and field testing of Powerdrive RSS tools and had considerable input into their re-design as the X5 variant. Kevin has led many teams into both new fields and mature field redevelopment. Outside the industry he enjoys skiing and exploring, taking these two activities to the extreme in 2015 when he skied to the South Pole dragging a sledge behind him.
Daria Ivakhnenko
TRAINING MANAGER
Daria Ivakhnenko is a dynamic project and business manager with 20 years of experience in the energy sector, specialising in technical writing, translation, interpretation, and cross-cultural and interdepartmental communication. She has proven expertise in managing high-value, high-risk projects within the oil and gas and geothermal industry, delivering operational excellence, cost optimisation, and seamless stakeholder collaboration.
Daria speaks six languages and has a strong track record of enabling effective communication across diverse teams and geographies. She is adept at developing and managing training programs, driving process improvements, and fostering professional development in international, multilingual settings.
Tony Pink
GEOTHERMAL DRILLING CONSULTANT
AND DIRECTOR/OWNER PINK GRANITE CONSULTING LTD
Tony graduated with a BSC in Geology from University College of Wales Aberystwyth in 1990 and has a postgraduate diploma (GMP) from Harvard Business School. He spent 5 years in the field as an MWD/LWD Engineer followed by 5 years as a Directional driller. He moved into management with Schlumberger in 2000 and worked in several posts including Drilling Training Manager and the Engineering Manager for US Land.
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In June of 2011 Tony became the VP of Automated Drilling Applications with the objective of delivering an automated drilling solution for NOV and our industry. In 2014 He became the VP of services for a new division of NOV called Dynamic Drilling Solutions and is responsible for delivering Automated Drilling Solutions to NOV’s customers. He has also been an active member of Geothermal Rising, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Geothermal Technical Section (GTTS) including the role of vice chairman.
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In October 2018 of he became the CTO for NOV, Wellbore Technologies. Responsible for the digital strategy and technology portfolio for the segment including geothermal drilling technology. In March 2022 Tony moved into a corporate VP role responsible for Subsurface Energy Technology particularly focussed on Geothermal and Carbon Storage. In October 2023 Tony started a UK registered company “Pink Granite Consulting” (PGC) and joined Black Reiver Consulting. PGC through Blackreiver provide consultancy and training services in drilling, drilling technology and drilling optimization to the Geothermal industry. In June 2024 Tony was appointed as the Task Force Chairman for Drilling for the DOE, GEODE project. He is currently supporting Cornish Lithium and Eden Geothermal in UK and Mazama Energy and the Clean Air Task Force in the USA.
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He has published and presented 13 SPE/IADC papers and has 5 US and EU Patents on Closed Loop Drilling Automation, Automated Directional Drilling, Early Kick Detection Particle Drilling and Insulated Drill Pipe. Most recently he presented a paper commissioned by CATF at the Iceland Geothermal Conference (IGC) Title “Technology Gap Analysis for Super Hot Rock Drilling”. This will be presented at GRC 2024.
Iain Hutichison
DRILLING EXPERT & BUSINESS GROWTH ADVISER
Iain is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and accomplished businessman. He founded, grew then exited Merlin ERD Ltd an expert drilling engineering business, which became international leaders in complex well engineering and gathered two Queens Awards for Enterprise on its exceptional growth journey.
Iain’s 30 year career in the energy industry has taken him around the world working for large corporate businesses and smaller disrupters on complex drilling projects.
A restless desire to make things better and interest in efficiency, combine with his engineering and pilot training, to provide a highly driven individual, focused on the detail that delivers dependable success.
Having built a Spitfire replica during his time in Australia, which he now flies in the skies of Scotland, Iain leverages risk management, organisational and leadership techniques from the aerospace industry to deliver business results.
Iain leveraged skills developed in the oil and gas industry to build successful enterprises in forestry, hydro-electricity generation and geothermal energy, whilst remaining engaged with his Drilling roots. His core belief is that tomorrow should be a better version of today and that it’s up to each of us to make it so.
Daniel Bour
GEOTHERMAL DRILLING AND CEMENTING CONSULTANT
Daniel is a seasoned cementing consultant with extensive experience in the oil & gas industry. He has a sharp ability to think innovatively to create solutions that overcome operational challenges and reduce costs. Daniel is able to convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders and to help implement proposed solutions in the field.
Daniel has a BSE in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan College of Engineering, and a BA in Physics from Kalamazoo College, Michigan. Throughout a distinguished 40+ year career that has taken him around the world he has authored over 25 technical papers on cementing and drilling, alongside 21 patents and multiple provisional patents.
As Vice President of Wellfield Operation for AltaRock Energy Inc, Daniel developed a multi-zone rig-less stimulation technology for geothermal wells and mechanical isolation methods resulting in a 40-60% increase in production and injectivity in field trials. Four patents were awarded, and multiple provisional patents were filed.
In his role as Cementing Technical Advisor, Gulf of Mexico for Halliburton Energy Services, Daniel identified the root cause of cement job failure, which led to the adjusted practice of rheological modelling for well fluids. He determined the cause of the failure of liner cement job that led to a change in thermal modelling standard practices and developed, and taught, multiple oil well-cementing schools for well operator personnel.
Daniel’s core qualifications include cement job design and modelling, cement slurry formation, cement testing, oil & gas drilling, geothermal drilling and chemical engineering. As a knowledgeable trainer and teacher, Daniel is able to challenge the status quo when appropriate, and work effectively with different cultures.
Javier Alexander Romero
COMPLETION AND WELL INTERVENTION ENGINEER
Javier has over 30 years of extensive technical experience in the oil & gas industry and over 20 years of experience in completion and well intervention. He has a solid knowledge of designing well completions and intervention programs, determining successful solutions, minimising wastes, and ensuring ongoing improvement in operational efficiency.
Javier has a proven track record in directing successful well-engineering projects from inception to completion, delivering those within set time and budgets. He is a resourceful professional committed to corporate objectives and goals with practical analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
As Completion & Workover operation Engineer for Petroleum Development Oman LLC (PDO), Javier led a campaign on vertical and horizontal deep gas and oil exploration wells by designing and executing the well testing programs. He conducted the well testing operation in vertical and horizontal wells, including perforating, testing, CT N2 lift, and Acid Stim. Javier designed and executed the Snubbing and Coiled Tubing intervention program and provided guidance on well control and integrity restoration. He identified the best solution for well integrity restoration using various technologies available in the market.
His exceptional work was recognized with the Director Gold Award and citations for accruing a significant saving of around $50MM, which had a positive impact on gas production, amounting to approximately 5 M m3/day.
Additionally, Javier developed a Velocity String Master Plan, which resulted in ongoing improvement and cost savings of $9MM annually, and installed over 100 Velocity string completions in gas wells.
He formulated the first Shell snubbing manual together with Tom Keltner Shell Snubbing PTE and developed the technical specs for a Multi-Stage Frac completion on three Horizontal wells in an Unconventional Gas Reservoir. Javier provided technical support to a Capillary string completion for foam injection in Unconventional Depleted Gas wells and participated as a Shell Snubbing SME in the team to develop the first Shell Snubbing operational manual
Javier has authored several SPE papers including SPE-178189-MS “Enhanced Hydraulic Work Over for Well Integrity Restoration”, SPE-176766-MS, “LEAN Methodology in a Long Term Velocity String Campaign, a Step Forward in Snubbing Operations” and SPE-166728-MS: “External Casing Patch: a new Approach to Recomplete the Gas Wells with Cemented Completions”.
Currently pursuing a Masters in Petroleum Engineering at Heriot Watt University, Javier is a strategy-orientated and technically focussed individual with expertise in determining appropriate solutions. With excellent leadership, managerial traits and a strong teamwork philosophy, Javier is experienced in working with multidisciplinary and multicultural workgroups.
Lucy Cotton
GEOLOGIST AND GEOTHERMAL SPECIALIST
Lucy has over ten years’ experience in the UK’s geothermal sector, with a focus over the last three years on the decarbonisation of heat for UK industries. She has developed a passion for communicating ground-breaking technologies to all ages in the renewable sector.
Lucy holds an MSc in Exploration and Field Geology from the University of Cork, and a BSc in Geology from Cardiff University. As well as delivering several keynote speeches and authoring a number of technical papers relating to geothermal energy in the UK, Lucy has been recognised by the Geological Society of London with an Early Career Geoscientist Award, and by Cornwall Chamber of Commerce as a “30 under 30” winner. She is a STEM Ambassador, Member of Women in Mining, Co-ordinator for the annual UK Geothermal Symposium, a UK Country Ambassador for Women in Geothermal (WING), and Chair of the South West Natural Powerhouse.
As Geothermal Group Manager, Senior Geologist and Director for GeoScience Limited, Lucy led the geothermal team in carrying out multiple feasibility studies for geothermal projects around the UK from shallow and medium depth heat projects to deep geothermal power. She assessed different geological criteria for varying applications and end uses, carried out data acquisition and interpretation, high-level seismic surveys and wellbore analysis. Lucy prepared technical reports for clients and oversaw the creation of digital resources using ArcGIS to spatially represent data sets.
In her role as Lead Site Geologist for Eden Geothermal, Lucy liaised with the Drilling Supervisor and Support Engineers providing optical analysis of cuttings, daily reviews of formation evaluation logs, and geological evaluation and interpretation of the well.
As Site Geologist for the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project, she logged and analysed cuttings from the production and injection wells, assisted in data analysis and interpretation of wireline logs and data management during well testing. Lucy also worked as part of the project management team from planning through to development, assisting with tenders, well design and seismic hazard assessments. She was responsible for data collection and the main contact point for two international Horizon2020 projects associated with UDDGP (S4CE and MEET).
Lucy worked as part of the geothermal education team on the design and implementation of a successful geothermal communication, education and outreach programme. This included creating explanation animations, designing suitable engaging activities for multiple age groups, running the seismicity for schools programme and hosted multiple visits at the United Downs site, ranging in age and interest from Primary School to University level, and local community interest groups.
Ben Adams
MODELLING GEOLOGIST AND GEOTHERMAL SPECIALIST
Ben Adams brings over three years of industry-pioneering experience in the modelling and simulation of conduction-based geothermal systems. This journey has equipped him with the ability to adapt models to cover various applications and provided him with unique insights into the intricacies of modelling such systems.
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His current focus is on estimating geothermal resources associated with deep fault systems. This significant project has been a collaborative effort with industry leaders such as Eden Geothermal Ltd., EGS Energy, and BESTEC GmbH, who provided invaluable data and insights from the drilling and testing of a deep geothermal well to the commissioning and operation of the UK’s first operational deep geothermal project in 37 years.
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As part of his PhD work, Ben was instrumental in the creation of a unique model for the heat flow to/from a well. This model, which he then adapted to simulate the behaviour of conduction-based borehole heat exchangers, has proven to be highly accurate. Currently, the model is within 1% of commercial software and within 5% of commercial data generated by the EG-1 coaxial heat exchanger, demonstrating its practical application and real-world relevance.
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Ben was selected to speak at the 2023 London Geothermal Symposium and gave a presentation focusing on the inherent sensitivities of coaxial heat exchangers and using cement as an insulator to optimise the system for a given temperature range. He has also worked as a consultant for Eden Geothermal Ltd. on various projects within and around his areas of expertise.
Paul Crerar
SERVICE QUALITY ENGINEER
With 18 years of experience at Schlumberger (SLB), including the last decade serving as a Service Quality Engineer, Paul Crerar brings a wealth of expertise in ensuring equipment reliability, maintainability, and cost-effective service delivery. Paul oversees SLB’s RSS drilling equipment reliability globally, spearheading various projects focused on technological enhancements, behavioural improvements, and preventive maintenance initiatives. Their responsibilities encompass asset management through CMMS systems, conducting internal audits, facilitating HAZOPs, stakeholder reporting, and leading failure investigations. Moreover, Paul has been pivotal in Maintenance Integrity and Maintenance Engineering within the organisation.
Paul’s professional journey is enriched by his 9-year experience as a Royal Marine Commando (Reserve). This unique background has placed him in some of the most challenging environments globally, instilling in him the value of team strength and individual capabilities.
Career Highlights:
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Successfully presented RSS technology proposals to key stakeholders, resulting in significant enhancements in efficiency and stability for high-profile projects.
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Innovated a tailored methodology, “Reliability Centered Operations” (RCO), optimising equipment lifecycle and user competency assessment.
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Led the design and project management of SLB's latest RSS tool, PowerDrive Orbit G2.
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Initiated a groundbreaking “Energy Management” workshop, leading to numerous patent submissions and internal recognition for driving carbon reduction initiatives.
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Paul’s initiatives have had a significant impact on SLB's operations and clients. By implementing design changes and optimizing preventive maintenance, he has not only achieved substantial cost savings for SLB but also improved the overall reliability of tools for clients.
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Organised and ran STEM workshops for all ages, from primary to secondary school students, focusing on recognizing and understanding energy sources and how to utilise them more efficiently.
Paul’s career is defined by a commitment to delivering reliable and efficient service, advancing technological and operational improvements, and driving cost-effective maintenance strategies. He is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring the highest standards of service quality and equipment reliability.
Helen Robinson
HYDROGEOLOGIST AND GEOTHERMAL SPECIALIST
Helen Robinson has over 12 years‘ experience in international geothermal, mining, and humanitarian water. Her primary focus regions are sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). She has developed a passion for geothermal and its role in addressing all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Net Zero Mines, and decarbonization of the O&G sector.
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Helen is curremtly completing a Ph. D on the superhot geothemal systems of East Africa, holds and MSc in Hydrogeology from the University of Strathclyde and an Integrated Masters in Geology with a focus on Structural Geology from the University of Plymouth. As well as delivering several international keynotes and panels, and authoring a number of technical papers, Helen has contributed to interviews and articles published by noteworthy outlets such as African Business, News 24, The New York Times, and National Geographic. She is the Technical Program Chair for the World Geothermal Congress 2026, former Chair of the UK Geothermal Symposium, a committee member and former Ambassador for Women in Geothermal (UK Chapter), and a committee member for Women in Mining UK.
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As Global R&D Manager and Regional Manager for Africa at the International Geothermal Association, Helen is responsible for overseeing the IGA’s data management and geothermal standards, report deliverables on sustainable development, and all activities across the African continent. Helen will continue to hold this poistion at the assoication.
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Helen has acted as an advisor and consultant on a range of geothermal projects across Africa including activities in Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, and Ethiopia, with further interests from Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Much of this work has centred on reservoir fluid characterisation, sources and mechanisms of recharge, and monitoirng of the groundwater environment. She has also worked on major mining projects including designing and deploying the water monitoring program for the world’s largest iron ore mine in Guinea and assessed the application of produced water chemistry for the co-production of geothermal and critical metals across the USA. She is currently working on a co-production research project with the University of Oxford.
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In addition, Helen has been involved in the communication of some recent high profile natural hazards events including the eruption of Tajogaite, the cone responsible for the 2021 eruption of Cumbre Vieja, La Palma, a volcano she has also monitoired for unrest previously; the Mayotte Volcanic Crisis which resulted in the largest sub-marine volcanic eruption on record; the eruption threat from Gunung Agung on Bali, and the Sulawesi earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
Helen has also worked with Groundwater Relief since 2020 and assisted in aspects of understanding water quality, access and availability in conflict areas including Yemen, Northeast Syria, and Myanmar.
Leonid Klimov
CONTRACTING & PROCUREMENT
Leonid Klimov is a CIPS-qualified contracting and procurement expert with over 18 years of experience in the energy sector, specialising in projects (EPC/EPCM), drilling/wells and indirect procurement categories. He has a proven track record of leading and developing procurement teams, improving procurement capabilities, and delivering significant cost savings through strategic tenders/negotiations and supplier development. His expertise spans managing high-value projects in various oil and gas environments, including operator-controlled projects and joint ventures. Leonid has held senior roles at major companies such as Shell, BP, INEOS and Saudi Aramco, OGCI, where he has been instrumental in developing contracting strategies, enhancing contract management processes and implementing best-in-class procurement practices across multiple projects and regions.
Stephen Pink
GEOTHERMAL DRILLING CONSULTANT
Stephen Pink is a seasoned Energy professional and has been in the sector for over 28 years. He graduated from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth with a BSc Hons in Geology including a year in research as an Oceanographer at the Institute of Oceanographic Science Deacon Laboratory in Godalming in 1996.
He joined the Royal Navy and subsequently resigned his commission and started a career as a Mudlogging Geologist with Baker Hughes Inteq working in multiple locations throughout Africa and Europe.
In 1998 Stephen took up a role as an MWD field engineer with Halliburton MWD and then transferred to Sperry Sun Drilling Services. He remained in the field until 2012 finishing his career as a General Field engineer. His experience covers operations in more than 35 countries worldwide. His areas of expertise include reservoir evaluation (Sonic, NMR and Formation Pressure testing), petrophysics, advanced drilling dynamics, surveying, directional drilling, RSS Operations, BHA and well design, and technical staff development.
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In September 2012 he took up the role of Integrated Solutions and Optimization Regional Manager EHO in NOV Downhole. Stephen has held multiple technical and sales leadership roles in NOV including Director of Technical Support in both East and Western Hemispheres. Stephen was closely involved with the Reed Hycalog and Particle Drilling partnership for design of geothermal and hard rock focused drill bits. In 2022 Stephen relocated back to Scotland and took on a new role as the Global Technical Advisor to the Downhole Broadband Solutions and wired drill pipe business inside MD Totco providing global oversight and technical support for sales and operations worldwide.
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Stephen has authored and co-authored more than 16 SPE/IADC industry papers and has participated on multiple technical panels. He is the owner of 2 patents for methodologies and technology related to downhole kick detection. In addition, he has been directly involved with the creation and delivery of technical training in NOV for both internal and external personnel.
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Stephen is also a professional freelance Street, Landscape and Travel Photographer.