Seria Energy Lab

The Seria Energy Lab, run by Brunei Shell Petroleum, is an interactive centre covering how oil and gas form, how they are found and extracted, and how the Seria field and the offshore platforms actually work, with models, simulations and hands-on exhibits aimed largely at school groups. It is the clearest explanation available of the industry that underwrites the whole Bruneian state. Seria itself grew entirely around the field, and the town's layout still follows the company plan.

History

The centre was opened by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre on 14 September 2002, built by Brunei Shell Petroleum near the Seria oil field to promote scientific literacy. From 2 July 2018 to 2 May 2020 it was rebuilt and renamed the Seria Energy Lab, which Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah officially opened on 6 April 2021 (Wikipedia, Seria Energy Lab).

What you'll find

• The formation displays - how oil and gas form and are trapped underground.
• The extraction models - the mechanics of drilling and production.
• The offshore section - how the platforms off the Brunei coast operate.
• The hands-on exhibits - the interactive stations aimed at school groups.

When to go

Year round. It keeps set hours and closes at weekends in part. School groups fill it on weekday mornings.

Before you go

It is run by the oil company and the presentation reflects that. It is aimed at school groups and pitched accordingly. Booking may be required and hours are limited.

Nearby

The Billionth Barrel Monument is nearby, and Kuala Belait is west.

Key facts