Scaling Remote Aerial OGI Operations: Industry Insights

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Brian Babcock, Danny Allen & Katherine Snyder at the 2024 EDR Summit

Even though companies have put a focus on reducing methane emissions over the last few years, the latest news is, we’ll say, not great for progress toward worldwide goals. Methane emissions are being underreported, and aerial surveys are showing an "abrupt and rapid increase" in the growth rate of atmospheric methane in the early 2020s.

Axios put together a great update on the most recent methane data and findings that show how far the O&G industry has left to go to meet various goals and initiatives. 

Instead of dwelling on the negative, let’s look at what can be done. At the 2024 Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, we had a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities of scaling remote aerial OGI operations. Industry leaders from Percepto, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips shared their experiences and insights on this rapidly evolving field.

Panelists were:

  • Brian Babcock, Sales Director, Percepto

  • Katherine Snyder, UAS Coordinator, Chevron

  • Danny Allen, Geospatial Intelligence Supervisor, ConocoPhillips

 

The Challenges of Scaling OGI Operations

The panel highlighted several key challenges in scaling OGI operations:

  • Vast and Distributed Footprint: Operators like Chevron and ConocoPhillips manage extensive assets spread across vast geographical areas, making traditional inspection methods inefficient and hazardous.

  • Data Overload: The increasing volume of data generated by OGI operations, coupled with limited personnel, poses significant challenges for data processing and analysis.

  • Regulatory Complexities: The evolving regulatory landscape, including EPA regulations and state-specific requirements, adds complexity and operational hurdles.

  • Behavioral Change: Introducing new technology often requires significant behavioral shifts among employees, who may be resistant to change or unfamiliar with the technology's capabilities.

The Promise of Autonomous OGI Drones

Despite the challenges, the panel expressed optimism about the potential of autonomous OGI drones to revolutionize the industry. Key benefits include:

  • Enhanced Safety: By reducing the need for personnel to be on-site, autonomous drones can significantly improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

  • Increased Efficiency: Automated operations can streamline workflows, reduce inspection times, and improve data consistency.

  • Improved Data Quality: Autonomous drones can collect more accurate and comprehensive data, enabling better decision-making.

  • Environmental Benefits: By identifying and addressing emissions issues more efficiently, OGI drones can contribute to environmental sustainability.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving ROI

To successfully integrate OGI drones into their operations, the industry leaders on the panel emphasized the importance of:

  • Clear Use Cases: Defining specific and achievable goals for drone technology is crucial for driving adoption and ROI.

  • Strong Collaboration: Effective collaboration between different departments, including operations, IT, and safety, is essential for overcoming organizational challenges.

  • Data-driven Approach: Focusing on data quality and actionable insights will help demonstrate the value of OGI technology.

  • Continuous Improvement: The industry is rapidly evolving, and operators must stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices.

While the path to fully scaled autonomous OGI operations is still evolving, the panel's insights provide valuable guidance for industry stakeholders. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities, the oil and gas industry can harness the power of drone technology to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance.

Want to view the session mentioned in this article? Visit here now. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to view all of the sessions from the 2024 EDR Summit for just $99 if you would like!

There’s more where that came from! Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2025 Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, June 16-18, 2025 in Houston, Texas.