Oil and tech firms expand partnerships to boost efficiency and safety Image By EPN Staff Key Points Oil and gas companies are partnering with major tech firms, such as ADNOC teaming with Microsoft, to deploy AI, automation, and advanced analytics throughout production sites and energy infrastructure. Digital tools improve safety, efficiency, and reliability, enabling real-time equipment monitoring, early detection of leaks or corrosion, fewer unplanned shutdowns, and better workflow management in remote or hazardous locations. The digital transformation market is rapidly expanding, with analysts projecting the oil and gas tech market to exceed $120B by 2030, while industrial automation overall may surpass $350B, driven by increased investment in modeling software and large-scale data platforms. Oil and gas producers are forming new partnerships with major technology firms to integrate artificial intelligence, automation and advanced data analytics across their operations. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) recently entered a strategic agreement with Microsoft to introduce AI-supported systems across ADNOC facilities while also developing new energy infrastructure to support Microsoft’s expanding data center needs. Why it matters Several companies now use cloud-hosted analytics to study real-time production data and identify equipment issues before they interrupt work or become dangerous. Pipeline operators are deploying continuous monitoring systems that track pressure changes and other early indicators of leaks or corrosion, allowing maintenance crews to intervene sooner. These tools also give field teams a clearer view of asset status in remote areas where staffing is limited or conditions are treacherous. Industry analysts note that when these technologies are applied consistently, operators see fewer unplanned shutdowns, enhanced equipment performance and improved worker safety. Companies such as Shell say the combined effect is a more efficient workflow and stronger safety practices, which ultimately lowers costs and supports more reliable energy output. In exchange, the agreement provides for renewable energy production that will supply these technological systems with the power they need to perform their functions. The bigger picture Industry researchers expect the digital transformation market in oil and gas to expand significantly over the next several years. Analysts at Mordor Intelligence estimate that the market could reach more than $120 billion by 2030, a forecast driven by rising spending on automation tools, advanced modeling software and large-scale data platforms. Additionally, analysts project that the industrial automation sector will climb past $350 billion in total market value by 2030. SUGGESTED STORIES 16 AGs accuse Big Tech of using ‘environmental accounting gimmicks’ Sixteen attorneys general from across the country suggested late last month that some of the world’s largest tech companies are engaging in “environmental accounting gimmicks” to appear greener than they really are. This group of Republican attorneys general sent Mic Read more These 10 counties drove over 90% of US oil growth since 2020 Ten counties accounted for more than 90% of U.S. oil production growth since 2020, and just two counties in New Mexico were responsible for more than half of it, according to the Energy Information Administration. Most of the rest came from eight counties in Texas, a Read more Big Tech sees big potential in geothermal energy Facebook parent company Meta has signed a new agreement in New Mexico to develop 150 megawatts of geothermal power, another shot-in-the-arm for a growing technology that benefits from Big Tech’s embrace. The agreement, with Houston startup XGS Energy, is one of several announced in Read more
16 AGs accuse Big Tech of using ‘environmental accounting gimmicks’ Sixteen attorneys general from across the country suggested late last month that some of the world’s largest tech companies are engaging in “environmental accounting gimmicks” to appear greener than they really are. This group of Republican attorneys general sent Mic Read more
These 10 counties drove over 90% of US oil growth since 2020 Ten counties accounted for more than 90% of U.S. oil production growth since 2020, and just two counties in New Mexico were responsible for more than half of it, according to the Energy Information Administration. Most of the rest came from eight counties in Texas, a Read more
Big Tech sees big potential in geothermal energy Facebook parent company Meta has signed a new agreement in New Mexico to develop 150 megawatts of geothermal power, another shot-in-the-arm for a growing technology that benefits from Big Tech’s embrace. The agreement, with Houston startup XGS Energy, is one of several announced in Read more
