An optimistic future for decarbonisation in oil and gas

After years of attending the Automa Congress, our CEO and Engineering systems Specialist, Ken Lie-Haugen, notes that collaboration was the standout result of the two-day programme. 

Ken joined our CIO, Tonia Pedersen, at Automa 2024 – Oil & Gas Automation and Digitalisation Congress, for what Ken considers the best year so far. They both spoke on behalf of Draga to experts from oil majors, EPCs, refineries, pipeline operators, and digital experts in areas of heavy industry and engineering that we’ve never connected with before. 

It has been an incredible opportunity to develop a broader context for business cases on how to improve operational efficiency with effective data management. For example, the technology that enables remote detection of gas extracts vast amounts of data on where, when and why a leak happened – which as to be processed and structured effectively.

Collaboration as a force for change

Companies are now seeing the importance of high quality data. At Automa 2024, Ken saw an encouraging movement towards data standardisation. 

“It’s important that companies are coming together to agree on how they want to manage and handle their data,” says Ken. “This level of collaboration and cooperation between businesses is vital, because every actor is actually part of a large ecosystem, from upstream to downstream.” 

By sharing their methods, it’s hopeful that companies and other actors will standardise, which opens new doors for automation, digital transformation, and high-fidelity digital twin technologies. 

A positive direction in an evolving industry

Among many exciting topics and innovations shared was a discussion on sustainable transformation, and how digital twins and digital transformation are reshaping the industry. One of the key goals that everyone agreed upon to work towards is more environmentally-friendly business. 

This attitude towards climate change is the biggest evolution Ken has seen in this industry.

“Ten years ago, if you talked about climate change, the industry would be dismissive,” says Ken, “but now there’s action to do something.”

There is an industry-wide drive to collaborate on decarbonisation efforts. Despite previously being fiercely competitive, global leaders in oil and gas were willing to share the ways that they are looking for greener solutions. This inspires other operators to seek out new sustainability solutions – from green hydrogen to climate initiatives.

Playing our part in decarbonisation

“There’s a role in decarbonisation for everyone, including Draga,” says Ken. 

Our work in engineering content management, digitalisation, and digital twin tech helps companies reduce their manpower and improve predictive maintenance. This means less fuel consumed by helicopter flights to offshore sites, and installations that are safer and less likely to cause oil spills. 

To find out how we can help your company increase efficiency, cost savings, and safety, while empowering your decarbonisation initiatives, reach out to us today or explore our full range of services.