Special Reports: 2020

Digitalisation has the power to reshape business strategies across the oil and gas sector. New technologies help drive down costs, improve efficiencies and offer fresh opportunities for value creation. This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has only underlined the importance of digital solutions, with traditional office work upended and employees collaborating virtually across the world. At Petroleum Economist, in association with Publicis Sapient, we spoke with industry leaders to find out their views on the forces driving the transformation. The report that follows expands upon these findings, examining the key motivating factors for adopting new technologies, the hurdles holding firms back and the appetite for greater change, among many other themes.

Adaptability is becoming a prerequisite for the oil and gas industry in these rapidly changing times. Companies need to be able to pivot at ease to new ways of working, and greater adoption of digital technologies can play an invaluable role in this emerging transition. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has showcased the importance of both adaptability and agility. Operators at a higher stage of digital maturity have been better able to endure the economic crisis. Businesses at a lower level of digitalisation have been made aware of the importance of overhauling legacy working practices. Ambitious decarbonisation pledges have also highlighted the industry shift towards green energy. Digital technologies can help play a crucial bridging role towards this net-zero future, driving operational efficiencies and lowering operational emissions. New technologies will only increase in importance to support this drive towards cleaner energy. In this report, industry experts examine some of the key themes influencing this adoption of digital technologies. Contributors discussed the changing cyber security landscape, automating refineries, the power of the digital twin, extending offshore asset life, among many other topics. Sponsor: Various partners

Small Going Big... and Greener, focuses on the role of LNG as a bunker fuel. With the maritime sector under increasing pressure to address emissions, greener fuels for shipping are critical. In this paper we look at how going greener with LNG not only addresses the sustainability agenda but also makes economic sense. Sponsor : Strategy&, part of the PwC network

The energy transition will be a multi-faceted process with each contributing energy source offering enormous potential but often bringing new challenges. The oil and gas sector is rapidly improving efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint, but can this be done around the world at reasonable cost? The boom in renewables continues apace, across ever more markets around the world, but requires peak demand support and smart grid management. And green hydrogen potentially offers a carbon-neutral high energy density fuel, but can it be cost competitive at scale? In this report, industry experts identify problems and present potential solutions. Sponsors: Norton Rose Fulbright and Schneider Electric