The global imperative to address climate change and transition towards cleaner energy sources has intensified, urging oil and gas companies to embrace strategies aligning with environmental goals. This blog series explores diverse avenues through which the oil and gas industry can reduce its carbon footprint, leveraging the power of automation and digital solutions. Drawing insights from a well-attended seminar hosted by Rockwell Automation’s oil and gas experts in Houston in 2023, we aim to outline challenges and present practical steps for implementation.
Navigating Decarbonization Without Sacrificing Profitability
The common concern among industry executives is whether the pursuit of decarbonization jeopardizes profitability. Bill Roberts of Rockwell Automation dispels this notion, emphasizing that carbon reduction goals can be achieved without compromising financial success. Rather than waiting for regulatory pressures, he suggests proactive measures such as identifying and understanding the company’s carbon footprint, energy usage, and emission sources. Taking early steps, like investing in emission reduction projects and setting annual goals, demonstrates a commitment to both the market and government regulations.
Practical Steps Toward a Greener Future
Shifting from Scope 1 to Scope 2 emissions is a tangible step, moving from on-site power generation to purchased power. This transition not only provides cleaner energy options but also opens doors to alternative sources such as hydrogen, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Addressing emission reduction projects becomes intertwined with the ongoing digital transformation in the industry. Rockwell Automation offers smart devices to build digital infrastructure, optimizing energy use by moving data to the cloud and streamlining business processes.
Hydrogen, Carbon Sequestration, and Digital Integration
While hydrogen is often hailed as a solution, its widespread adoption demands infrastructure and cost-effective green production methods. Digital transformation, both in updating existing facilities and designing new ones, is essential. Rockwell Automation advocates for a secure digital infrastructure that interconnects all facets of a facility, enabling efficient control over direct capture and sequestration of carbon emissions.
Partnerships for Progress
Recognizing the need for collaborative solutions, Rockwell Automation has partnered with SLB to establish Sensia, a joint venture focused on integrating measurement and control solutions for emission capture and sequestration. These collaborations, along with innovative tools, ensure profitability is sustained through real-time data accessibility, fostering a leaner and more agile production process.
The upcoming blog in this series will delve into “Creating sustainable oilfields with intelligent action from edge to enterprise,” exploring further how intelligent technologies contribute to sustainable practices in the oil and gas industry.