Energy Workforce’s Energy Technology Committee started the year with a seminar focusing on various technologies driving innovation in the oil and gas industry. Maynard Holt from Veriten and Bola Ajakaye from BP delivered keynotes, and panel discussions addressed geothermal technologies and the electrification of the oilfield.
The geothermal innovations panel featured Tim Latimer, Fervo Energy, Chris Miller, H&P Ventures, Sri Srinivasan, Halliburton, and was moderated by Vinu Iyengar, Piper Sandler. The panel discussed applications of oil and gas technologies to geothermal drilling, current challenges, and future outlooks. Notably, it was mentioned that applied technologies for EGS (enhanced geothermal systems) have led to an 80% reduction in costs. Latimer of Fervo Energy is highly confident about the future growth of next-generation geothermal: “It’s one of the few solutions that checks all the boxes of what the energy transition needs [in terms of emissions-free power]”.
The electrification panel included Energy Technology Committee Member Travis Bolt, NOV, John Fischer, National Service Alliance, Brad Kaufman, Voltagrid, Matt Niemeyer, NexTier Completion Solutions, and moderator Leen Weijers from Liberty Energy. They discussed the benefits of electrification and shared observations from the field noting how oil and gas operations in the U.S. are increasingly electrified due to economic and emissions reduction benefits. Panelists anticipated increased automation and the use of more utility power and mobile fleets over time. Bolt also emphasized the need for establishing best practices in training and developing the workforce for electrification in the oilfield.
Keynotes by Holt and Ajakaye provided different perspectives on energy technologies. Holt discussed how investor and startup communities’ approach new energies and where attention is shifting. Ajakaye explored the concept of the “open subsurface data universe,” aiming to compile, store, and share all relevant subsurface data. As operations increasingly produce more data points, the platform aims to bring service companies and operators together to facilitate communication and break down data silos.
The Energy Technology Committee has scheduled meetings for the upcoming year to explore policies promoting energy technology innovations and identify sector best practices. Those interested in joining the committee can contact Senior Director Energy Policy Maria Suarez-Simmons.
Maria Suarez-Simmons, Senior Director Energy Policy, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
