As oil and gas operations were disrupted significantly by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, it became evident that greater digitalization was vital to ensure the maintenance of operations when worker access is limited. With innovative solutions popping up from start-ups around the world and greater interest from oil majors, it is only a matter of time until we see greater digitalization across the oil and gas industry.
During the pandemic, governments introduced several rounds of varied restrictions on the movement of people and limitations on access to the workplace. Many oil and gas operations were suddenly halted as workers could no longer run oil rigs, processing plants, and other facilities. In addition, the supply chain was also affected, hitting production levels hard and creating an uncertain
Several innovations can help to make the oil and gas industry more efficient and potentially safer. For example, by using IoT energy firms can automate the monitoring and evaluation of operations to be able to respond in real-time and optimize equipment utilization and maintenance planning. Meanwhile, blockchain technology can be used to track the history of IoT devices and enhance security or to improve accuracy.
An increasing number of energy companies are looking at how to use digital technologies to make their operations more efficient, cost-effective, and safer, as well as to mitigate the risk of further pandemic restrictions in the future. While many oil majors across North America and Europe have already introduced new technologies to their operations, now the MENA and African regions are showing greater interest in digitalization as a means of modernizing the oil and gas industry.
Source: Oil Price