Oil and Gas Companies Using VR in Operations

OK, maybe we’re not living in a simulation, but more and more oil and gas companies are working in simulations. Close enough, right? 

O&G companies are using virtual reality (VR) to train employees, streamline globally distributed operations, manage capital assets, and more. 

One recent paper looked at how Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Gas Processing is using VR. (The paper’s abstract is available free, with the full paper available for purchase.) The study found that VR’s benefits include: 

  • Reducing training costs

  • Improving competency

  • Increasing efficiency

  • Improving health, safety, and environment aspects

  • Enhancing performance

  • Validating design before commissioning

Other leading O&G companies are using VR to experience those benefits as well (h/t Offshore Technology / GlobalData):

  • Baker Hughes, a GE company, uses VR technology to simulate oil and gas facilities within the training rooms

  • BP uses VR-based training that replicates critical conditions of the drilling zone

  • Chevron uses VR in equipment maintenance—VR goggles show simulations, superimposed data, and 3D models so technicians can identify and solve problems promptly

  • ConocoPhillips uses a 3D visualisation suite to create a virtual team

  • Equinor uses 3D modeling and simulation of offshore assets and operations to observe the various layers of oil, gas, and water present in the reserves

  • Sinopec is 3D real-time VR simulations to develop and test functional modules of petrochemical plants 

Oil and gas operations continue to move into the digital space aka energy metaverse. I might grab an apartment there.