Modernising Energy Efficiency through Digitalisation - Webinar 5: the benefits of digital tools on an existing O&G field

Energy efficiency is changing, with new digital technologies enabling greater control, optimisation and analytics. New policies and new business models will greatly enhance end-use and systems efficiency.

A topic of fast-growing interest to member countries and partners, the IEA has embarked on a cross-agency initiative – Modernising Energy Efficiency through Digitalisation – to explore the potential impacts of digitalisation on energy efficiency and the implications for policy makers. In the recently launched Energy Efficiency 2019, we have identified a set of critical policy considerations within the Readiness for Digital Energy Efficiency policy framework.

We continue to undertake deep dive research on key topics, we have organised a series of thematic events to facilitate stakeholder engagement and exchange of best practices.

This webinar is the fifth in a series on the topic of digitalisation and energy efficiency. The first webinar featured guest speaker David Nemtzow from the US Department of Energy Building Technologies Office presenting on the Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings Program, and the second webinar was presented by DENEFF (the German Business Initiative for Energy Efficiency) and focused on the application and impact of digital technologies on industrial energy efficiency. The third webinar was presented by EDNA (the Electronic Devices and Networks Annex) of the IEA’s TCP (Technology Collaboration Programme) on 4E (Energy Efficient End-Use Equipment) and covered the role of connected devices in intelligent efficiency. The fourth webinar was presented by SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) and UKPN (UK Power Network) and explored the role of digital energy efficiency in helping to manage electricity networks.

Webinar 5: Decarbonisation and energy efficiency in Eni enabled by digitalisation- the benefits of deploying advanced digital tools on an existing O&G giant oilfield in Italy

During the webinar, Eni will introduce its integrated approach to the digitalization of an oil & gas plant with the objective of improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, improving safety and optimizing production. 

The oil & gas industry is dealing with a very complex and challenging environment and is currently engaged in an effort towards a substantial paradigm transition.  This transition entails a more stringent investment discipline in its mature areas of operation and increased attention towards more efficient production optimization projects. As the industry steps up in its efforts to reconcile, its production targets with its long term sustainability goals, improving energy efficiency of an upstream production asset is paramount to reduce energy consumption and is a necessary step towards a low-carbon and sustainable future, reducing emissions and minimizing environmental impacts.

The increased availability of real-time field data, digitalized information and documentation, has opened up for new opportunities, tools and methodologies. For example, Big Data and Machine Learning techniques, implemented with success in other businesses, are now creating novel possibilities to optimize O&G plants.

Eni will present its approach and lessons learned to date. The company has established a composite team of digital and operations experts, developed approaches to empower the operator’s everyday work with digital and innovative tools supporting reservoir, maintenance, production and health, safety and environment (HSE) workflows. Starting from a number of various legacy systems, a single integrated dashboard was built. This is now available on PC and smartphones to all site personnel both at the operational and managerial level.

Luca Cadei works in Eni South-Italy Business Unit, as deputy field manager of a giant onshore oilfield. Luca is also involved in the company Digital Transformation process as a digital advisor on field. He holds a BSc in Energy and a MSc in Petroleum Engineering cum laude from Politecnico of Milan. He completed his background with two Exchange Programs in TU Delft and NTNU, awarded with ENI scholarship, and is currently SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Italian Section Program Chairperson.