The oil and gas sector has undergone a sea change, driven by cutting-edge digital technologies. Applications such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and geographic information systems (GIS) for efficient process control, edge computing for real-time data processing, smart metering for precise resource management, and artificial intelligence/ machine learning (AI/ML) for predictive analytics are redefining industry standards. These advancements are streamlining operations and enhancing productivity. Additionally, comprehensive asset management systems are extending the lifespan of equipment and improving operational efficiency.
SCADA
SCADA systems are critical for the oil and gas industry, providing comprehensive monitoring and control of industrial processes. It enhances operational efficiency, safety, and reliability by enabling operators to detect and respond to issues quickly, optimise production processes, and perform predictive maintenance.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has adopted SCADA to enhance the efficiency and safety of its extensive pipeline and refinery operations. Pipeline operating conditions are monitored 24/7 by personnel in control centres using SCADA. It collects real-time data on pressures, volume, flow rates, and the status of pumping units and valves. Whenever operating conditions change, an audio-visual alarm alerts the operator on duty, prompting immediate investigation. Both automated and manual valves are strategically placed along the pipeline route, allowing for rapid shutdown and isolation of sections as needed.
Companies such as Reliance Gas Pipeline Limited, GAIL (India) Limited, Adani Total Gas Limited (AGL), Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL), Haryana City Gas Distribution Limited, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), Mahanagar Gas Limited, and Assam Gas Company Limited are among the major players that have deployed SCADA systems. Think Gas has integrated SCADA across around 20 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations and 26 district regulating stations (DRSs). It has also installed pressure transmitters both upstream and downstream of the DRSs to monitor pipeline pressures. Additionally, gas detectors inside the DRSs provide immediate signals in case of any gas leakage.
GIS
Geographic information systems are increasingly transforming the oil and gas sector by offering comprehensive solutions for asset management, remote sensing, and automated map production. They are robust systems designed to create, manage, analyse, and map various types of data. By linking data to a map, GIS combines location information (where things are) with descriptive details (what things are like there). This integration supports mapping and analysis across multiple industries and scientific fields, helping users understand patterns and geographic contexts. GIS technology enables oil and gas companies to manage and analyse spatial data, which is crucial for activities such as oil exploration, pipeline construction, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, GIS provides asset intelligence by incorporating various elements such as pipelines, networks, asset conditions, activities around them, surrounding environments, device features, manufacturing details, and maintenance schedules. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is using GIS for mapping oil fields, monitoring pipeline integrity, and assessing environmental impact. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is using this technology for tracking pipeline locations and conditions, optimising their supply chain and ensuring operational safety and compliance. Meanwhile, Think Gas is implementing GIS to enhance efficiency and safety during infrastructure projects, AG&P Pratham has adopted GIS to improve its city gas distribution (CGD) network management. A GIS digitally maps assets such as CNG stations, pipelines, and customer connections, aiding in network expansion and integrity tracking. It provides a centralised platform for asset viewing and data sharing, and its gas outage manager feature helps locate isolation valves and affected customers during maintenance and outages.
ERP
The adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems has become crucial for managing the complexities of upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. ERP solutions streamline processes, enhance supply chain management, and integrate automation with Internet of things (IoT) capabilities, allowing real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. These systems tackle market volatility by supporting lean operations, and enabling companies to do more with less by optimising resource usage and reducing waste. The shift towards cloud-based ERP solutions and the integration of AI and ML further enhances decision-making and operational efficiency, making ERP a vital tool for maintaining competitiveness and efficiency in India’s dynamic oil and gas industry. IOCL is integrating its ERP systems with environmental management technologies to track and reduce carbon emissions, manage renewable energy projects, and comply with regulatory requirements.
Edge computing
Edge computing is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of digital transformation in the oil and gas industry, enabling companies to leverage real-time data insights for better operational outcomes and efficiency gains. It brings data processing and storage capabilities closer to the source of data generation, reducing the dependency on continuous connectivity to a central data centre. This enables real-time monitoring of equipment, pipelines, and processes, with data filtered and processed locally. Only essential information is transmitted to the cloud, thereby reducing bandwidth usage and operational costs. Moreover, edge computing enhances cybersecurity by keeping critical data within the company’s network, mitigating risks associated with external threats. RIL and ONGC have adopted edge computing solutions to enhance their operations, ensuring more efficient and secure data handling. For instance, ONGC’s project at the Mumbai High Field utilises edge computing to optimise drilling operations and monitor performance of wells in real time. The Mumbai High Field, previously known as the Bombay High Field, is an offshore oilfield located 176 km off the west coast of Mumbai in the Gulf of Cambay.
Smart meters
Smart metering is increasingly being adopted in the oil and gas sector, particularly in the CGD sector, to support long-term growth aspirations. The adoption of smart metering is driven by several emerging trends and advancements aimed at improving operational efficiency, data accuracy, and customer service. A key trend is the implementation of automatic meter reading (AMR), which enables the remote collection of consumption data from gas meters, enhancing billing accuracy and reducing operational costs. Significant advancements include smart pre-paid gas metering, which allows customers to pay for their gas usage in advance, promoting better budgeting and consumption control, and smart thermal gas meters that provide precise measurements of gas consumption based on temperature variations. Additionally, ultrasonic domestic and industrial meters are being used for their high accuracy and reliability in measuring gas flow, further optimising the efficiency of gas distribution networks. Meanwhile, automated meter reading enables rapid deployment and improved reconciliation between distribution points, enhancing loss tracking capabilities.
AGL has integrated smart meters to monitor and manage gas distribution more efficiently. Besides, IGL, in collaboration with Genesis Gas Solutions Private Limited, has formed a joint venture (JV), IGL Genesis Technologies Limited, to set up a smart meter manufacturing plant in Noida. IGL and Genesis Gas hold 51 per cent and 49 per cent stake, respectively, in the JV. Spread across 65,000 square feet, the plant entails an investment of Rs 1.08 billion and has the capacity to produce 1 million meters per annum. It is expected to become operational soon.
In sum
With the government focusing on increasing the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix, the importance of adopting digital technologies has become more pertinent. Going forward, the future of digital technologies in the oil and gas sector appears promising, with continued advancements set to drive greater efficiencies and sustainability. Adopting SCADA, GIS technology, edge computing, and smart metering will be pivotal in enhancing operational agility, improving asset management, and optimising resource utilisation. Collaborations among industry players, technology providers, and regulatory bodies will be crucial for fostering innovation and addressing emerging challenges such as cybersecurity and environmental impact. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies strategically, the industry can navigate towards a more resilient and digitally integrated future, ensuring enhanced competitiveness and sustainable growth in the global energy landscape.
