Offshore oil and gas and renewables sectors would benefit from applying artificial intelligence (AI), but operators need to gain trust in this new technology
Although AI is already being used across these energy sectors, companies are largely cautious of its unestablished uses, according to DNV’s latest research.
The Norway-headquartered classification society said AI will contribute to the energy transition, but an industrywide approach to standards and best practices is required to unlock its potential, as is stronger cyber security.
These are key conclusions in DNV’s report, AI insights: Rising to the challenge across the UK energy system.
Studies into existing uses of AI are highlignted and interviews were conducted with industry personnel from the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, offshore oil and gas producer and facilities operator EnQuest, National Gas, National Grid Electricity System Operator and the Net Zero Technology Hub, among other organisations.
DNV said AI could be key to advancing innovation in energy supply chains. “Outputs of those solutions must be prioritised in light of recent geopolitical events highlighting the need for countries to have energy sustainability, security and affordability,” said DNV.
The report discovered some industry cultures and data policies are significant barriers to widespread AI adoption.
DNV identified data sharing as a particular area for improvement, while the offshore engineering community has a high level of risk aversion and low tolerance to error, lowering its potential use of untested technologies.
“To truly harness the benefits of AI in the energy sector, it is critical this technology is trusted,” said DNV executive vice president and regional director for energy systems in the UK and Ireland, Hari Vamadevan. “There are two main challenges to achieving this: information to evaluate the trustworthiness of an AI system, and communication, to relay evidence which allows users to trust the systems.”
DNV has used AI and developed digital twin technology incorporating AI for a variety of maritime and offshore applications throughout the entire lifecycle of assets.
But it has found these technologies, along with digitally connected infrastructure, are prone to cyber-security risks and growing online threats, heightening the need for reliability and trust.
“Accurate, accessible, reliable, and relevant – digital technologies and AI tools must be all these things if we are to trust them,” said DNV head of industrial cyber security Shaun Reardon.
“They must also be secure. Digital technologies, set to be enhanced by AI, are being connected to control systems and other operational technology in the energy industry, where safety is critical,” he added. “The industry needs to manage the cyber-security risk and build trust in the security of these vital technologies.”
EnQuest is one of the most active energy companies in the UK North Sea, with operating and non-operating interests in the Magnus, Kraken, Golden Eagle, Greater Kittiwake Area, Scolty, Crathes and Alba assets, as well as decommissioning the Heather and Thistle platforms.
It generated free cash flow of US$140M in H1 2023 and its group net production averaged 45,480 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
“Within the core business, we have a significant work programme in H2 2023, including further drilling at Magnus and Golden Eagle, and a continuation of well plug and abandonment activities at Heather and Thistle,” said EnQuest chief executive Amjad Bseisu.
“EnQuest continues to play an active role in supporting the UK’s twin objectives of delivering energy security and decarbonisation. Following the successful awards of carbon capture and storage licences, we have established a commitment for EnQuest to reach net zero for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2040.”
Offshore Support Journal Conference, Asia returns to Singapore on 12-13 September 2023. Use this link to register interest and get more details on this key industry event
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.