Digital Oil And Gas

AI is transforming oil and gas, but not all AI is created equal. Many companies have wasted millions on failed AI projects, chasing optimization without real breakthroughs. But what if AI could think like a scientist—applying physics and chemistry to accelerate decision-making and innovation? In this episode, TC Zoboroski, Head of Sales for Energy at NobleAI, explains how their science-based AI is reshaping everything from production forecasting to molecular design. Unlike traditional generative AI, which relies on pattern recognition, NobleAI operates on scientific principles, enabling faster, more accurate results for R&D, product development, and enhanced oil recovery. TC shares fascinating use cases where AI has cut R&D timelines from decades to months, optimized drilling decisions, and even created new chemical formulations in real-time. We also discuss why AI skepticism is still strong in oil and gas, how to overcome it, and why AI should be seen as a force multiplier, not a job threat. About t

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome. In oil and gas, we do the same thing over and over, knowing the outcome will vary—but believing we’re optimizing it. With billions at stake, the industry needs better ways to react in real time. As capital market pressures rise and companies consolidate, optimization is no longer optional—it’s survival. The days of a “sand disposal” mentality in hydraulic fracturing are fading. Operators need data-driven decision-making to improve well performance, cut waste, and reduce risks. Enter ShearFRAC, a company pioneering real-time pressure diagnostics to transform completions. Andrew McMurray, CEO and co-founder of ShearFRAC, is at the forefront of this change. With a background in mechanical engineering and years in the service sector, he has built a company that challenges industry inertia. ShearFRAC solutions provide immediate insights to operators, allowing them to adapt on the fly—tightening performance curves

Energy markets are undergoing a profound transformation. With demand shifting, new energy sources emerging, and digital infrastructure consuming more power than ever, the need for accurate, data-driven decision-making has never been greater. Companies must now navigate uncertainty with smarter forecasting tools, leveraging AI and real-time analytics to stay ahead. However, traditional forecasting models often fail to capture the full picture. New energy sources like solar and battery storage are disrupting the grid, while AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand. At the same time, tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are moving beyond buying power to direct energy investments, influencing market dynamics in unexpected ways. So how do we make sense of this fast-changing landscape? Joining me today is Jarand Rystad, CEO of Rystad Energy, one of the world’s leading energy research firms. With a background in physics, statistics, and AI-powered analytics, Jarand has spent two decades r

Oil and gas workers operate in extreme conditions, such as the Gulf and the Permian Basin, where the intense heat and high humidity create very hazardous conditions. You lose a lot of body moisture just surviving in those settings.    Most of us know to take a drink of water when we’re thirsty, but in those places, by the time you’re thirsty, you’re already at risk. Is there a better way to measure dehydration risk before it becomes a safety hazard?   In this episode, I sit down with Jim Ryan, Chief Revenue Officer of Epicore Biosystems, to discuss a nifty wearable device that tracks sweat loss, sodium levels, and hydration needs in real time—helping prevent heat-related injuries before they happen.   Elite athletes like Lionel Messi and Serena Williams rely on a sweat patch from Epicore to help them complete. This technology caught the attention of Chevron, who saw the potential to protect its industrial athletes (front line workers). It’s been deployed across oil fields, refineries, mining and aviation sect

The oil and gas industry has long relied on surface data and the expertise of seasoned operators to manage the complexities of downhole operations. However, as wells become deeper, laterals longer, and conditions more extreme, the human expert can struggle to address the expanded downhole complexity. Consistency, efficiency, and precision have become increasingly difficult to achieve. This growing complexity presents significant challenges. Operators must interpret inconsistent surface data while contending with extreme pressures, weights, and temperatures. Without real-time visibility into what’s happening at the drill bit, risks like unplanned downtime, tool failures, and inefficiencies sap productivity and inflate costs. To overcome these issues, the industry is turning to advanced technology, automation, and machine learning to build a more repeatable and predictable model of operation. In this episode, I speak with Brad Watson, the technology development manager with STEP Energy Services, on how his team

Direct air carbon capture will be required to remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere while we wind down fossil fuel combustion, and a new technology based on graphene and amine coated ceramic pearls or spheres may be the missing link. The direct air capture methods deployed to date struggle with their enormous scale, their energy intensity, and operating costs. They can require hundreds of dollars per ton of CO2 removed, large land footprints, and available geology to sequester the carbon underground. Economically, they can't pay their own way without permanent subsidies. Many entrepreneurs are working to solve the problem by working backwards from commercial principles that the technology must be economically sustainable without market support. In this interview, I speak with Samir Adams, an entrepreneur who has for several years been perfecting a commercially viable approach to direct air carbon capture. By leveraging graphene-coated ceramic pearls, he has developed a low-energy, modular solution capable of

Pipelines are often thought of as simple logistics channels, but in reality, they operate more like sprawling processing plants. This complexity has long been underserved by outdated control systems that lack the sophistication of modern software. The challenge is clear: legacy systems are hindering efficiency, sustainability, and even talent retention as younger generations expect better tools in the workplace. How do we overcome this inertia? In this latest episode I catch up with Vicki Knott, Co-Founder and CEO of Crux OCM, whose exciting work is transforming pipeline control rooms with analytics and automation tools designed for the modern era. Vicki shares how her team is delivering measurable gains in throughput, emissions reductions, and energy efficiency—without a single piece of new steel. We cover some of the biggest questions shaping the future of pipeline control systems: 1️⃣ Why have pipeline control systems been left behind by digital innovation? 2️⃣ How does Crux OCM’s technology deliver real r

The petrochemical industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, often hindered by legacy systems, risk-averse cultures, and scattered data. However, as global competition and sustainability pressures mount, companies like Nova Chemicals are turning to digital transformation to drive operational efficiency and sustainability. Nova Chemicals recognized the untapped potential in its decades of operational data and began its digital journey with a bold vision. By leveraging advanced tools, such as AI-driven predictive maintenance, the company has revolutionized its approach to reliability, maintenance, and operational performance. NovaChem’s strategy involved carefully piloting digital solutions on redundant equipment to mitigate risks and build confidence, leading to transformative value—four times the initially estimated impact. In this episode, I speak with Ahmed Musa, Digital Transformation Leader at Nova Chemicals, who shares insights into how the company has structured its digital initiati

The fuel products supply chain is long and complicated, handling the movement of massive volumes of fungible, dangerous, and valuable products in millions of small lots. Despite its criticality, this part of the industry is often overlooked, but can benefit from the modern tools that are finding their way into many industries. I was curious just how deeply our modern digital tools have penetrated the supply chain.  There's no one better to discuss this topic than Ken Evans, VP and General Manager of Energy and Refined Fuels at DTN. DTN touches some 85% of the liquid fuel molecules in the US, which affords them a unique perspective on the supply lines.  Ken outlines the current state of digital adoption across North America and globally, touching on gaps in data usage and the challenges of creating unified digital standards. We get into the ongoing reliance on legacy tools like Excel, the growing importance of real-time data sharing, and the opportunities promised by AI. Ken speaks strongly to the importance

The energy industry faces a dual challenge: addressing the growing skills gap as experienced workers retire, and attracting a tech-savvy younger workforce. Meanwhile, digital transformation is reshaping the landscape, introducing complex tools like AI and automation into traditional workflows. In this episode, I interview Ron Crabtree, CEO of MetaOps and MetaExperts, about bridging the workforce gap. The interview considers how companies can identify critical skills for the future, implement effective mentorship programs, and create the kinds of roles that attract and retain young talent. We flag the “wisdom gap” caused by retiring baby boomers and consider steps to build a digitally capable workforce. Ron has worked across a broad range of industries, and brings this experience from a career in lean Six Sigma, digital transformation, and talent solutions. I like this episode because energy leaders are already grappling with workforce sustainability in a competitive and evolving market. About the Guest Ron Cr

Safe operations in industries like oil and gas, water utilities, and construction are a non-negotiable priority. However, achieving these high safety standards often creates inefficiencies, as organizations adopt low-error tolerance systems and time-intensive compliance processes.   Field teams face growing pressure to balance safety, productivity, and quality, while adapting to emerging challenges like digitization and net-zero goals. As these demands intensify, field operations continue to struggle with outdated approaches. Excessive paperwork, lack of real-time visibility, and disjointed communication between field teams and managers result in unnecessary downtime, missed opportunities, and increased operational costs. How can industries modernize field operations to meet these high safety and performance standards while driving efficiency? In this episode, I’m joined by Karl Simons, Chief Futurist at FYLD, to explore how AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing field operations. FYLD’s p

The energy sector is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by advancements in geospatial technology and the unrelenting evolution of digital innovation. Traditional geotech methods are giving way to LiDAR, GPS, drone and satellite imagery, and the industry now collects more data than ever before. But how do you make sense of this crazy data-rich landscape while holding to the oil and gas ideals of accuracy, efficiency, and safety? Adding to this data overload challenge are the siloed information holdings and the need for skilled professionals who can interpret and leverage geospatial insights. From pipeline monitoring to asset management, the applications of these tools are becoming table stakes, not nice-to-haves. To be competitive, today's energy companies need to rethink how they manage geospatial data, build up predictive analytics, and break through organizational barriers to data sharing. In this episode, I speak with Lonnie Upton, an account manager at NV5 and a seasoned expert in geospatial data for oil

#ETRM #CTRM One of the last remaining domains of energy yet to fully embrace the cloud is Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM). Despite the key role it plays, the broader oil and gas sector (producers, supply houses, traders, agents) cling to old legacy ETRM  systems—clunky, costly, and a pain to integrate into complex application portfolios. Trading is a high stakes game with few users, and the risk of modernizing these systems is very worrisome. However, the energy sector is now overdue to tackle ETRM, driven by rapid changes in commodity markets and global geopolitics. The emergence of new commodities such as renewables and the realignment of supply chains because of sanctions and conflicts, really requires systems that can adapt quickly and efficiently. Legacy ETRM systems, rigid and isolated, struggle to cope with these new realities. Cloud-based solutions, however, offer the agility to address rapid growth in renewables and the complexity of modern energy trading. In this episode I speak with Samee

SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) has a critical mission: producing the frontline workers that keep the energy industry running. But as the sector evolves—shaped by decarbonization, digital technologies, shifting demographics, and immigration rules—so too must the workforce. According to Dale Hansen, dean of SAIT’s MacPhail School of Energy, the institution’s role is to stay several steps ahead of these trends, making sure graduates are ready to meet the future. Dale faces an unenviable but exciting challenge: anticipating where the energy market is headed years before it happens.  SAIT works to identify the skills the industry will need, refresh its curriculum, and recruit educators—all while navigating rapid changes. This isn’t just about tweaking course content; it’s about rethinking what it means to be an energy professional in a world increasingly shaped by new solutions and technologies. The future energy worker won’t just turn wrenches or operate rigs—they’ll need to innovate, adapt, and

Oil and gas managers often view every decision as high-stakes and irreversible, but in the digital world, not all choices carry that weight. Jeff Bezos’s concept of “Type One” (irreversible) and “Type Two” (reversible) decisions offers a powerful framework for rethinking decision-making in the energy sector. While some digital investments—like SCADA integrations or major cybersecurity upgrades—are genuine Type One decisions requiring caution, many can be structured to minimize risk. In this episode, I explore practical approaches like pilots, modular designs, and SaaS solutions that help reframe digital investments as low-risk, high-reward opportunities. By distinguishing between true Type One decisions and those that only seem that way, oil and gas companies can accelerate adoption cycles, manage risk effectively, and unlock value faster. Additional Tools & Resources:

With your company being acquired, what happens to the digital innovation you helped pioneer? Sadly, its days may be numbered. The unfortunate fate of digital innovations in the oil and gas industry following acquisitions is really depressing. Even groundbreaking technologies—despite their proven value—are often tossed to the curb by acquiring companies and their old-guard leaders. The structural and cultural barriers that stifle innovation in oil and gas can kill off winning ideas without remorse. That's the story in this episode--the rise and fall of a remarkable digital transformation program that unlocked huge value for a company on the brink, but was left behind after an acquisition by a more traditional player in the industry. Fortunately, I share the steps digital innovators must take to safeguard their work and survive in an acquisition. Sometimes the upside can be huge. Additional Tools & Resources:

Stitching a new energy trading and risk management (ETRM) system into a modern systems environment is a substantial and risky undertaking. ETRM as a business function is notably complicated and the challenges an integrator faces are legion. Energy trading is perhaps the most complicated of all of the various functional areas one encounters in the oil and gas industry. It is a high risk, high stakes, high cost, highly dynamic, complex function with strong ties into operations and finance, relatively few actual transactions, and carried out by a small number of people who have deep industrial insight. What could go wrong? The successful integrator will promote an open and collaborative environment for the multiple technology and business teams to address the many integration challenges. While the stakes are high, the benefits of a well-designed and executed integration are well worth the investment. Additional Tools & Resources:

Are you curious how the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) might impact the global oil and gas industry? It will indirectly, thankfully, but in a specific instance and for a specific fuel type, very directly.  The fuels industry is on a mad rush to decarbonize its fuel products, under pressure from regulators and customers both of whom are seeking fuels that produce far fewer damaging emissions. One way to decarbonize fuels is through the development and adoption of sustainable fuels that are produced by converting biomass (such as corn, sugar cane, soy, rapeseed, straw, wood chips) into ethanol, bio diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel. Bio fuels, the product of converting biomass to a fuel, is the fuels industry’s answer to the circular economy. Biomass is basically a vector to recycle atmospheric CO2, by first converting C02 into plants (Nature’s contribution), then turning the plants into bio fuel (a humankind speciality), and burning the biofuel as energy, releasing the CO2 back into the a

#private5G #smartfactory #energy #petrochemicals Market-leading companies with complex plant operations, such as oil refineries and petrochemical plants, are turning to private 5G network technology to gain an industrial edge. In the oil refining and petrochemical sectors, inadequate connectivity is a growing challenge that hampers further drives to improve operational efficiency, safety, and communication. Traditional solutions like Wi-Fi just won’t cut it in the uncarpeted world of industry, and wired networks can’t easily meet the needs of a dynamic, mobile workforce. The result is safety risks, frustrated workers, stranded data, and higher cost operations. In this podcast, Mehmet Yavuz, the founder and CTO of Celona discusses how Private 5G offers a powerful solution, providing robust, reliable wireless coverage tailored to the industrial enterprise, to support the unique demands of large-scale facilities, offering seamless connectivity across refinery and petrochemical plant sites. Referen

Suicide is a significant and overlooked issue in various industries. Among the sectors most affected are construction and trades, installation, maintenance and repairs, and agriculture, particularly for men. These fields face high stress, long hours, and job insecurity, which can contribute to mental health struggles. Within oil and gas, the reliance on construction and skilled trades to build infrastructure links this sector closely with some of the highest suicide rates. Many oil and gas workers hail from farming backgrounds.  In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in workplace attitudes toward mental health, with younger leaders increasingly recognizing its connection to overall performance and safety. This change has led to a stronger demand for mental health initiatives, particularly in high-risk industries. By building basic suicide prevention skills across these sectors, workplaces can become more prepared and supportive. Offering employees and managers the tools to recognize warning signs