Oil and gas operations create a massive amount of data, with a single seismic survey in New Mexico yielding a petabyte file. Bill Braun, Chevron’s CIO, discussed the complexity of processing this data, which requires an enormous amount of compute power. Chevron has been utilizing GPUs since 2008 to support this data processing, ahead of many other industries.
Now, Chevron is leveraging generative AI tools to extract more insights and value from its extensive datasets. Braun highlighted the Permian Basin Oil and Gas Project in west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, where Chevron holds significant land. This area is crucial, accounting for a large portion of oil and gas production in the U.S. The public availability of data from this project allows for learning and collaboration among competitors.
Generative AI can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, providing valuable insights. Chevron uses large language models to create engineering standards, safety bulletins, and alerts. The company is also exploring the use of robotic models for safety purposes, enabling robots to perform dangerous tasks while humans oversee the operations.
Chevron is working to break down silos between different teams by fostering collaboration between machine learning engineers, mechanical engineers, and other professionals. The company has invested in upskilling engineers in data science and system engineering to adapt to the evolving technological landscape. Synthetic data and digital twins are being utilized to reduce carbon emissions and ensure the effectiveness of carbon sequestration efforts.
The environmental impact of energy operations is a significant concern, and carbon sequestration is a key focus area for Chevron. The company is conducting digital twin simulations to monitor the storage of captured carbon and using synthetic data to predict outcomes. Managing the energy consumption of data centers and AI infrastructure is also a priority, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency in remote locations. Chevron’s innovative approach to leveraging AI technology in oil exploration demonstrates a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility in the industry.
