Oil & gas
The oil and gas industry faces demands to adopt more sustainable practices. But, given that fossil fuels will remain essential to global growth for the next 10 to 20 years, can the industry ever be truly sustainable and reduce its carbon
to achieve net-zero scope one and two emissions by 2050. The industry is also seeing an increase in interest in alternative energy sources, such as the use of hydrogen, which has the potential to be more sustainable compared to traditional fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.
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Alongside these broader initiatives, the oil and gas industry is making better use of sustainable technologies. A report by the World Future Energy Summit highlights eight ways in which, with cleantech innovations, oil and gas companies are striving to minimise costs and reduce their carbon footprint across
dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and other greenhouse gas emissions? Investments in new and sustainable product line manager – RTUs at Ovarro, explains how remote telemetry solutions could help oil and gas operators greatly improve their sustainability measures.
ustainability initiatives in the oil and gas industry include the ‘Global Decarbonization Alliance’, a group of oil and gas companies - including Siemens Energy, Tata Steel, Enel Green Power and others - with a goal
operations. Key initiatives include the better use of data analytics to optimise production, decrease freshwater use, improve water recycling efforts and reduce methane leaks. Additionally, companies are exploring used oil recycling, streamlining processes, creating digital oilfields - similar to digital twins - for real-time monitoring and analysis and investing in renewable energy sources. All of these efforts signal a shift towards sustainability in the oil and gas sector. Nevertheless, the use of cleantech innovations also presents operational challenges. First, there may be significant upfront costs for the technology itself. Second, challenges might relate to the complexities of integrating and maintaining these advanced solutions, including infrastructural developments or the logistical hurdles of applying the technologies in remote or offshore locations.
Third, it is necessary to comply with evolving
environmental regulations. Lastly, the workforce must be trained in using the new systems. Oil and gas companies must navigate these obstacles while driving the industry towards a more sustainable future - but how?
SAFE AREAS
One solution lies in the increased use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) for the monitoring and control of crucial assets. After all, oil and gas are among the highest value assets passed through a pipe or transported via land and sea. The main goal of remote control and monitoring is to improve efficiency in oil and gas operations, which is essential for reducing emissions. Safety is another consideration due to the hazardous nature of the sector. Specific areas within oil and gas facilities are designated as “safe areas” or “non-hazardous areas” where the risk of fire or explosion is minimised. These
SUSTAINABILITY UNDER EXTREME
64 October 2024 Instrumentation Monthly
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