Exxon Mobil said it will deploy technology from Microsoft to make its massive Permian Basin development the largest oil and gas acreage in the world to use cloud computing technology.
Exxon Mobil predicted its new Microsoft partnership in the Permian will help it generate billions of dollars in cash flow over the next decade through improvements in data analysis and operational efficiencies as companies move toward more digital and automated oilfield operations.
“The combination of Microsoft’s technologies with our unique strengths in oilfield technologies, production efficiency and integration will help drive growth in the Permian and serve as a model for additional implementation across the U.S. and abroad,” said Staale Gjervik, senior vice president of Permian integrated development for Exxon’s shale subsidiary, XTO.
“The unconventional (shale) business is fast moving, complex and data rich, which makes it well suited for the application of digital technologies to strengthen our operations and help deliver greater value,” he added.
West Texas’ booming Permian currently is Exxon Mobil’s largest and fastest-growing investment focus in the world.
The Microsoft partnership includes an integrated cloud system that collects real-time data from oil field assets spanning hundreds of miles. Exxon said the data will help it make faster and better decisions on drilling optimization, well completions and personnel deployment.
Environmentally, leak detection and repair response times could be further reduced with enhanced access to emissions data, Exxon Mobil said, strengthening its recent voluntary actions to manage methane emissions.
Exxon Mobil’s Permian position covers more than 1.6 million acres.
This article first appeared on the Houston Chronicle – an Energy Voice content partner. For more from the Houston Chronicle click here.
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