Adoption of advanced technologies to further boost the hydrocarbon explorations in Northeast: Experts

Guwahati: Across the world, there is an unprecedented need to explore natural resources, and increasingly high-end technologies are being deployed to enhance operational efficiency, precision, and safety besides minimizing costs.

Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Drones, and even the Internet of Things are being deployed for hydrocarbon explorations.

Nowhere is this more useful than in hilly and rough terrains including the Northeastern part of the country. Given the huge hydrocarbon potential in the region, experts suggest that future explorations should be further leveraging such technologies.

The Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for Northeast India envisaged investment of Rs 1.3 lakh crore in upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors gave fillip to the region. The Vision called for development of the Northeast region as a dominant hydrocarbon hub at the forefront of India’s energy economy. It also aimed at doubling the production of oil and natural gas by 2030, enabling access to clean fuel for 100% households at affordable price in the region, generating employment opportunities through skill development among others.

Recognizing the potential, the policy makers have highlighted the importance of the Northeast region. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in a reply to a question in the Parliament in December 2023, had said that Assam contributes 14% of the total crude oil production and 10% of total natural gas production in the country. He also highlighted that the government is infusing capital expenditure of Rs 61000 crore for increasing production in coming years including a large infusion of investments into new technologies.

In the period 2019-20 to 2022-23, the State has earned royalty of over Rs 9,000 crore for crude oil and Rs 850 crore for gas production.

“Coupled with abundant natural resources and the advanced technology of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the oil and gas sector, traditionally rooted in heavy engineering and capital-intensive processes, is undergoing a profound digital transformation. The integration of AI and ML has unlocked new possibilities, enabling companies to optimize operations, enhance safety, and reduce costs. From exploration to production, AI and ML technologies are reshaping how the industry tackles challenges, especially in difficult terrains and complex environments like those found in Northeast India,” said Doja, an industry veteran and ex-ONGC official.

One of the most impactful applications of AI and ML in the oil and gas industry is in exploration and reservoir management. “Recently, the successful completion of a first-of-its-kind LiDAR Drone survey in one of the Northeast operational areas mark a cutting-edge advancement that addresses the specific challenges of operating in remote and inaccessible regions. The drone technology was employed for a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey in the hilly terrains of Northeast India. This was a significant milestone, as it allowed for a faster, safer, and more cost-effective process,” he said.

LiDAR technology uses rapid light pulses to collect data, generating precise 3D models of the landscape. By incorporating AI/ML algorithms, companies can process this data in real-time, enabling faster decision-making and more accurate planning for civil engineering works, such as road construction for transporting rigs. The drone survey has not only reduced material costs for infrastructure but also provided detailed road design specifications, expediting further development in the region.

“Traditionally, seismic data interpretation, which is critical for identifying potential drilling sites, has been laborious and time-consuming. AI can now analyze vast amounts of seismic data with high precision, significantly reducing the time needed to identify optimal drilling locations. This not only saves capital expenditure but also mitigates the risk of drilling in unproductive sites—crucial in regions with challenging geographies.” said Atul Kumar, CEO of Shriv ComMedia Solutions, a software company.

This is the first time the technology is being applied in the Northeast. “This digital transformation is a key component in driving Northeast India’s economic growth while safeguarding the region’s ecological balance. As Industry 4.0 technologies continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly vital role in the future of the oil and gas industry, particularly in challenging terrains like the Northeast,” said Stalin Prabakaran V R, Skylark Drones.
This initiative has set a benchmark for future projects, demonstrating how technology can facilitate infrastructure development in remote areas with minimal environmental disruption.

The Northeast region has become a focal point for India’s oil and gas development, and the adoption of innovations like the LiDAR drone survey highlights the importance of integrating technology into these processes, ensuring that progress is both swift and sustainable.