Today’s energy industry faces the unprecedented challenge of balancing energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability. As hydrocarbons are expected to remain major components of global energy demand for the foreseeable future, the upstream sector will play a critical role in meeting this demand, while being challenged to maintain capital discipline and minimize the environmental impact of their operations.
Connect subsurface intelligence and surface operations to drive operational excellence
Subsurface engineering solutions can be leveraged to qualify opportunities for production enhancement, increase confidence in reserves estimation and producibility, and minimize risk associated with further exploration and production. A simulation model of a producing field can reduce CO2 emissions and energy use by 10–15%. A fully integrated model, tying reservoir engineering objectives to production, gathering and processing operations, can achieve a 5-10% increase in yield.
Increase performance with near-field exploration and development
Near-field exploration enables upstream companies to leverage already depreciated costs in operating infrastructure while simultaneously extending the life of a declining field through access to new or previously bypassed reservoirs near existing facilities.
Innovative digital technologies can be valuable tools when considering near-field expansion.
Accelerate feasibility studies with integrated and automated subsurface workflows
A major challenge in exploration and production is to forecast recoverable hydrocarbons and drive production scenarios in the face of uncertainty about the subsurface. Traditionally, multiple disciplines have been required to gain insights into uncertainties that might hamper development. This process is time-consuming and can lead to inaccurate production forecasts. Integrated subsurface modeling solutions use comprehensive uncertainty assessment methods to provide increased insight into the subsurface and estimate risk.
Case study: modeling and reservoir simulation help maximize ROI
Challenge: An operator in the Caspian Sea region wished to assess the technical and economic feasibility of developing a gas field close to other producing assets.
Results: Integrated subsurface modeling and reservoir simulation solutions enabled the operator to reduce exploration costs by up to 20% by focusing the data acquisition campaign on the most significant uncertainties affecting the production forecast.
Optimize operations and increase production by leveraging digital twin models
Digital twins provide accurate insights into a range of process parameters—often in real time—which typically cannot be directly measured in an operating facility. Operations optimization is one area where digital twins have helped companies achieve tremendous gains. Understanding and optimizing around constraints and bottlenecks can improve the production capabilities of the entire asset.
Leverage digital technologies to increase productivity and profitability
The need to optimize production while minimizing environmental impact requires optimization and automation. Digital solutions can be extremely valuable planning tools, providing a competitive advantage for companies that adopt them.
Learn more about end-to-end digital solutions and the upstream industry leaders that are using them to optimize production across the entire value chain, from the subsurface to the well, the gathering network and the processing infrastructure. Read the white paper: Near-Field Exploration and Development: A Holistic Look at Leveraging Digital Technologies to Increase Productivity and Profitability.
