Digitalization of the energy sector is imminent and will play a critical role in the way in which the industry operates, a world renowned physicist said at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec) 2014.
“What we will definitely start seeing more of is digitalization of the oil fields,” Dr Kaku was quoted by TradeArabia as saying.
“In the next 10 to 15 years, the internet will be accessible through our contact lenses, allowing workers on oil fields to identify and communicate with one another. Since workers come from across the globe, this contact lens will not only provide an image of what the other individual is seeing, but also subtitles in any preferred language, immediately translating what is being spoken.”
“The energy field also depends on expert insights, and very soon we will have intelligent wallpaper, which will be inscribed with artificial intelligence from the world’s leading experts.
“Workers will have instantaneous access to the knowledge of geophysicists and experts in petroleum, with visuals that will help professionals in their practice. It will essentially be like having a flat screen that completely wraps around your room. We can expect this as soon as in the next five to ten years,” he added. Looking at 15 years from now, carbon sequestration, in which carbon dioxide is extracted from plants and then injected into the oil wells to push oil into the pumps, is also another technology currently under development. “This is a win-win for both the environment and the energy sector,” Dr Kaku said.
Fracking, oil field sensors that relay real-time activity, satellite technology, and 3D printing, were also some of the technological innovations highlighted in Dr Kaku’s captivating keynote speech.
Adipec 2014 is hosting its largest ever conference program, organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, bringing together more than 600 speakers from 111 organizations, with 81 technical sessions, four academic sessions, special IT Sessions, and topical breakfasts and luncheons.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Adipec 2014 runs from November 10 to 13 under the theme of “Challenges and Opportunities for the Next 30 Years”.
