Realigning The Compass: Next-Gen Connectivity for Oil and Gas Communications

Realigning The Compass: Next-Gen Connectivity for Oil and Gas Communications

Hard truth:
The future of the oil and gas industry - like many others - hinges on its ability to pivot and embrace digital transformation.

While the global oil and gas industry today is very much thriving and production demand continues to grow, it is important to acknowledge that there is a shift taking place toward sustainable energy and digital transformation, and this will continue the industry's growth into tomorrow.

Candidly, the oil and gas companies that are willing and able to recognize the digital megatrends driving the industry forward will be the very ones best poised to adapt and grow alongside the ever-changing energy landscape. How to take the first step toward digital transformation for more efficient oil and gas communications? Task number one - take a closer look at your network infrastructure.

Choosing directional transformation in business can rattle an entire organization. But once you embark on a new digital path - this is where the excitement begins.

// NAVIGATING THROUGH CHALLENGES

So what are we referring to when we speak of change in the industry? Energy companies across the board face a unique set of challenges to remain competitive which are driving the need to maximize operational efficiencies and cost savings. Some challenges include:

• Shifting environmental policies
• Regulatory compliance mandates
• Geopolitical tensions
• Slowing investments in traditional oil & gas projects
• Dwindling workforces
• Changing consumer preferences & public opinion
• Safety & security challenges
  
  

That's a lot to take on at once. To address these and more, some significant operational and business shifts must be made to the all-too-common siloed business models of the past.

And yet, there is some good news here. While the long-term direction of the oil and gas industry might feel a bit uncertain at times, one thing remains true: the demand for oil and gas is here today, and it is as strong as ever.
According to a recent global oil and gas global market report, "the oil and gas market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.3 trillion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%."
So how do we tackle the challenges and continue this growth trajectory long term? It simply means that companies must be open to changing the way things have always been done in the past and embracing new technologies - turning existing challenges into opportunities for the future. But how? We think digital transformation and big data intelligence are the key.

// OIL & GAS COMMUNICATIONS:
SET YOUR COURSE TO NETWORK MODERNIZATION

While the global energy mix may begin to change, there is much opportunity for increased profitability during this transition period. The first step toward sustained growth for energy companies is to implement a robust digital transformation journey to lead your organization into the future. There are thousands of operational efficiencies that remain untapped simply because the big data intelligence needed is not there…yet.

And if you've read any of our blogs with Ceragon in the past, you've seen this message a few times before: no enterprise - whether it be in public safety, smart cities, utilities, or energy - will see a true digital transformation without first putting into place a reliable, next-generation, high-capacity, low latency network infrastructure to carry all that big (and valuable) data to every corner of its business. So let's steer the ship in that direction.

// CHARTING OUR COURSE:
A FOCUS ON BOTH ON- & OFFSHORE CONNECTIVITY

There are numerous ways that oil and gas companies can modernize to fully embrace digital transformation. One essential piece is to provide high-capacity, low latency connectivity to every corner of its operation. This reliable connectivity - whether it be on- or offshore - is essential to delivering the big data and real-time insights necessary to optimize operations. Read more about our offshore energy connectivity solutions here. And at-sea connectivity is only half of the [oil and gas] story. Let's explore the complete picture to end-to-end connectivity for onshore operations.

// NEXT-GENERATION ONSHORE USE CASES: DIGITIZATION ALONG THE PIPELINE & BEYOND

As in every critical industry, the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is launching companies into the future with its incredible ability to provide remote monitoring, control, and automation. And, you can now generate valuable, real-time data about every asset in the field, and how each and every one works together. Implementing next-generation applications such as real-time pipeline monitoring, predictive maintenance on equipment before it fails, safer worker environments, or AI-powered machine learning can bring enormous benefits - both operational and financial - to any company looking to boost their efficiencies.

So where do you start? IIoT and smart monitoring devices can be installed all along the oil and natural gas value chain. Imagine the insights you'd receive with real-time data and smart metrics on key assets - from upstream, to midstream, and all the way downstream. It's big data at its finest!

UPSTREAM

• Exploration & drilling management
• Wellheads, pumpjacks, & drilling equipment
• Refinery equipment
  
  

MIDSTREAM

• Pipeline & pumping stations
• Storage tanks & level monitoring
• Transportation & fleet management
  
  

DOWNSTREAM

• Processing & manufacturing facilities
• Oil refineries
• Petrochemical plants

// OPTIMIZE OPERATIONS, MINIMIZE EMISSIONS, LOWER COSTS

The operations fields are vast and far-reaching, and there's a lot to do. With a digitized operation in your wheelhouse, you will have comprehensive, real-time data, full control, and visibility into your operations. Imagine being able to maximize your operational efficiencies, minimize carbon emissions, and ultimately, lower your operating expenses simultaneously. To accomplish this, you need the right technology working for you, and the right private network infrastructure to carry the data when and where you need it most.

• PIPELINE MONITORING & CONTROL
  • Real-time threat & geohazard detection
  • Leak, damage, theft prevention
  • Right of way interference detection
  • Inline pigging device tracking & control
    
    
• IOT SENSORS, AI, MACHINE LEARNING, & AUTOMATION
  • Temperature, humidity, pressure, air quality, vibration, gas, chemical, & level sensors
  • Enhanced data, analytics, & automation - preventing outages, leaks, or system lock ups
    
    
• SAFETY, SURVEILLANCE, & SECURITY
  • Remote worker wearables
  • Real-time, multi-megapixel video surveillance
  • Perimeter, door, and gate access control
  • Advanced facial recognition
    
    
• AUTONOMOUS & REMOTE-CONTROLLED MACHINERY
  • Autonomous drilling - one such well in Brazil, drilling in autonomous control mode, resulted in a "60% increase in rate of penetration, faster well delivery with reduced costs and carbon emissions."
  • Drones and remotely controlled inspection vehicles
    
    
• ENHANCED CYBERSECURITY
  • Private networks - providing full control over network security, authorization, & authentication
  • Integration of information technology (IT) & operational technology (OT)
  • Zero trust architectures
    
    
• PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
  • IoT-generated maintenance alerts - based in ongoing, real-time health and performance data about the asset
  • Increased lifespan of critical assets
  • Ensuring safety
  • Maximizing profitability

// PRIVATE NETWORKS

As we've stated many times before, without a robust, tailored oil and gas communications network in place, all of the work you've done to modernize will be for naught. When it comes to highly specialized private networks, we urge you to partner with a company who can work closely with you from day one - from initial scope and network design to deployment and even ongoing managed services. Ceragon offers all this and more.

// THE CERAGON DIFFERENCE

• End-to-end, multi-technology wireless network solutions
• High capacity, low latency point-to-point (PTP) transport/fiber extension
• Private point-to-multipoint (PTMP) LTE/5G/Mesh
• LoRaWAN
• Secure wi-fi
• Network digital twin technology
• Integrated IoT & smart sensor technologies

Interested in learning more?