India’s Northeast, known for its rugged terrain and dense forests, has long posed significant challenges to hydrocarbon exploration. However, a wave of advanced technologies is gradually reshaping the region’s oil and gas sector, making exploration safer, more efficient, and cost-effective. With AI, Machine Learning (ML), drones, and the Internet of Things (IoT) now playing pivotal roles in the region’s energy strategy, experts believe these technologies could unlock vast hydrocarbon potential.
As part of the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, the Indian government is set to invest Rs 1.3 lakh crore to transform Northeast India into a leading hydrocarbon hub. The goal is ambitious: doubling the region’s oil and gas production by 2030, while also improving access to clean fuels and creating job opportunities. This visionary plan is more than just a numbers game; it’s about modernizing exploration and drilling techniques with cutting-edge tools.
Union Minister for Petroleum, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized the significance of Northeast India in India’s energy landscape, citing Assam’s contribution of 14% to India’s crude oil production and 10% of natural gas production. With investments pouring in, particularly in technology, the government’s strategy aims to overcome the challenges of the region’s difficult geography, opening up new avenues for oil and gas exploration.
Overcoming the Terrain Challenge with AI, ML, and Drones
The diverse and often inaccessible terrain of Northeast India has always been a major hurdle for the oil and gas industry. From dense jungles to hilly landscapes, reaching potential drilling sites was historically a labor-intensive and risky process. Enter AI, ML, and drones—technologies that are transforming the way companies conduct seismic surveys, analyze data, and manage resources.
In 2023, a breakthrough LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) drone survey marked the first time this technology was used in the region. LiDAR technology allows for precise 3D modeling of the terrain, enabling companies to navigate the challenging landscapes with greater ease. This not only speeds up operations but also minimizes risks, reduces costs, and ensures that fewer resources are spent on unproductive exploration.
The successful completion of this LiDAR drone survey in the hilly terrains of Northeast India was hailed as a significant milestone. As Doja, an industry veteran and former ONGC official, explained, “This technology addresses the unique challenges of operating in remote, difficult-to-reach areas. It’s faster, safer, and much more cost-effective.”
AI’s Role in Seismic Data Analysis
Seismic data interpretation has always been a crucial step in identifying potential drilling sites. However, traditionally, this process was painstakingly slow and required substantial manpower. With the integration of AI, seismic data analysis has become faster and far more accurate. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of seismic data quickly enables oil and gas companies to identify optimal drilling locations without the time and capital expenditure previously required for manual data interpretation.
According to Atul Kumar, CEO of Shriv ComMedia Solutions, “AI has the capability to analyze seismic data with precision and speed, reducing the time and cost associated with identifying the best drilling sites. It minimizes the risk of drilling in unproductive areas, which is a crucial factor when operating in terrains as challenging as Northeast India.”
AI-driven seismic data interpretation also opens up the possibility of remote monitoring and real-time adjustments, making it easier to adapt to new data and changing field conditions. This level of flexibility is essential when working in regions where weather and terrain can drastically alter operational plans.
Key Benefits of AI in Seismic Analysis:
- Faster identification of optimal drilling sites
- Reduced capital expenditure
- Lower risks of unproductive drilling
- Real-time data adjustments and monitoring
- Enhanced operational efficiency
This digital transformation is particularly critical in areas with complex geological features, like Northeast India, where traditional methods may not always be effective.
The Broader Impact: Technology and Sustainability
As these technologies advance, they not only promise economic growth but also underscore a shift toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in the hydrocarbon sector. The focus on precision and automation, coupled with minimal physical interference, aligns with the region’s growing emphasis on eco-friendly development.
Stalin Prabakaran V R of Skylark Drones pointed out that, “These advancements are a crucial step toward driving the economic growth of Northeast India. What’s more, they’re designed to safeguard the region’s ecological balance.” As technologies like AI and drones continue to evolve, their role in oil and gas exploration will only grow, pushing the industry toward more efficient, sustainable, and less disruptive methods.
By reducing the need for extensive human labor in remote locations and minimizing the environmental footprint of exploration and drilling activities, these technologies help address the growing concern of ecological preservation in one of India’s most biodiverse regions.
The Road Ahead: Scaling and Expanding Technology Use
While the success of the 2023 LiDAR survey represents a significant leap forward, experts are optimistic that this is just the beginning. As more companies adopt AI and ML technologies, the impact on exploration and production efficiency will only continue to grow. Drones, too, are expected to play an increasingly important role, enabling faster and more accurate data collection across expansive, hard-to-reach areas.
The potential for these technologies in Northeast India extends beyond oil and gas exploration. As India’s energy sector undergoes a digital transformation, the skills and technologies developed in the Northeast could be applied to other parts of the country, improving efficiency and reducing costs in the broader energy landscape.
In the coming years, the region is expected to see even more investments in advanced technologies as part of the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030. The goal is to not only increase production but also ensure that the methods used are sustainable and future-proof.
