First Break February 2024 - Digitalization / Machine Learning by EAGE

Digitalization / Machine Learning

EAGE NEWS Sustainable Energy Award for young professionals

CROSSTALK

TECHNICAL ARTICLE Environmental monitoring using multispectral UAV

Discover Sercel Land Services

Sercel specializes in solving the most complex operational challenges for seismic contractors and operators, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to technical specifications.

Trust us to streamline your operations, improve operational efficiency, and deliver unrivaled project success.

Explore our suite of land services:

• Train & launch

Start your project with confidence

• Asset optimization

Get the best from your equipment

• Operational excellence

Steer your crew performance

Trust us to streamline your operations, improve operational efficiency, and deliver unrivaled project success.

CHAIR EDITORIAL BOARD

Gwenola Michaud (gmichaud@gm-consult.it)

EDITOR

Damian Arnold (arnolddamian@googlemail.com)

MEMBERS, EDITORIAL BOARD

• Lodve Berre, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (lodve.berre@ntnu.no)

Philippe Caprioli, SLB (caprioli0@slb.com)

Satinder Chopra, SamiGeo (satinder.chopra@samigeo.com)

• Anthony Day, PGS (anthony.day@pgs.com)

• Peter Dromgoole, Retired Geophysicist (peterdromgoole@gmail.com)

• Kara English, University College Dublin (kara.english@ucd.ie)

• Stephen Hallinan, CGG (Stephen.Hallinan@CGG.com)

• Hamidreza Hamdi, University of Calgary (hhamdi@ucalgary.ca)

Clément Kostov, Freelance Geophysicist (cvkostov@icloud.com)

Martin Riviere, Retired Geophysicist (martinriviere@btinternet.com)

• Angelika-Maria Wulff, Consultant (gp.awulff@gmail.com)

EAGE EDITOR EMERITUS

Andrew McBarnet (andrew@andrewmcbarnet.com)

MEDIA PRODUCTION

Saskia Nota (firstbreakproduction@eage.org)

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Ivana Geurts (firstbreakproduction@eage.org)

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES corporaterelations@eage.org

EAGE EUROPE OFFICE

Kosterijland 48 3981 AJ Bunnik

The Netherlands +31 88 995 5055

• eage@eage.org www.eage.org

EAGE MIDDLE EAST OFFICE

EAGE Middle East FZ-LLC Dubai Knowledge Village Block 13 Office F-25 PO Box 501711 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• +971 4 369 3897

• middle_east@eage.org

• www.eage.org

EAGE ASIA PACIFIC OFFICE

UOA Centre Office Suite 19-15-3A No. 19, Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

• +60 3 272 201 40 asiapacific@eage.org

• www.eage.org

EAGE AMERICAS SAS Av. 19 #114-65 - Office 205 Bogotá, Colombia

• +57 310 8610709

• +57 (601) 4232948

• americas@eage.org www.eage.org

EAGE MEMBERS CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTIFICATION

Send to: EAGE Membership Dept at EAGE Office (address above)

FIRST BREAK ON THE WEB www.firstbreak.org

ISSN 0263-5046 (print) / ISSN 1365-2397 (online)

33 DC resistivity inversion using conjugate gradient and maximum likelihood techniques with hydrogeological applications

Cassiano Antonio Bortolozo, Jorge Luís Porsani, Fernando Acácio Monteiro

dos Santos and Tristan Pryer

41 Innovative environmental monitoring methods using multispectral UAV and satellite data

Benjamin Haske, Tobias Rudolph, Bodo Bernsdorf and Marcin Pawlik

Sp ecial Topic: Digitalization / Machine Learning

49 Lessons learnt for tuning a machine learning fault prediction model

Hadyan Pratama, Matthew Oke, Wayne Mogg, David Markus, Arnaud Huck and Paul de Groot

57 Ensemble history-matching workflow using interpretable SPADE-GAN geomodel

Kristian Fossum, Sergey Alyaev and Ahmed H. Elsheikh

65 Geomechanical parameter derivation while drilling in unconventional plays: a combination of surface drilling data, gamma ray data, and machine learning techniques

Marvee Dela Resma and Ivo Colombo

69 Adopting technology to revolutionise and accelerate the flow of seismic data from sensor to customer

Erik Ewig, John Brittan, Cerys James, John Oluf Brodersen and Sverre Olsen

75 Artificial intelligence and life on Mars

Neil Hodgson and Sam Tyler

79 Large volume analysis of core and thin section images in the assessment of Brazil pre-salt reservoir distribution

Edward Jarvis, Haoyi Wang, Jonathan Dietz and Thomas Van Der Looven

89 A framework for mineral geoscience data and model portability

John McGaughey, Julien Brossoit, Kristofer Davis, Dominique Fournier and Sébastien Hensgen

94 Calendar

cover: Ikon Science is currently working with several super-majors and independents, bringing Generative AI and Machine Learning to subsurface data collaboration, interrogation and visualisation with their Curate: Data Management Platform.

European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers

Board 2023-2024

Near Surface Geoscience Circle

Esther Bloem Chair

Andreas Aspmo Pfaffhuber Vice-Chair

Micki Allen Contact Officer EEGS/North America

Adam Booth Committee Member

Hongzhu Cai Liaison China

Deyan Draganov Technical Programme Officer

Wolfram Gödde Liaison First Break

Hamdan Ali Hamdan Liaison Middle East

Vladimir Ignatev Liaison CIS / North America

Musa Manzi Liaison Africa

Myrto Papadopoulou Young Professional Liaison

Catherine Truffert Industry Liaison

Mark Vardy Editor in Chief Near Surface Geophysics

Florina Tuluca Committee member

Oil & Gas Geoscience Circle

Yohaney Gomez Galarza Chair

Johannes Wendebourg Vice-Chair

Lucy Slater Immediate Past Chair

Erica Angerer Member

Wiebke Athmer Member

Tijmen Jan Moser Editor-in-Chief Geophysical Prospecting

Adeline Parent WGE & DET SIC liaison

Matteo Ravasi YP Liaison

Jonathan Redfern Editor-in-Chief Petroleum Geoscience

Aart-Jan van Wijngaarden Technical Programme Officer

Sustainable Energy Circle

Carla Martín-Clavé Chair

Giovanni Sosio Vice-Chair

SUBSCRIPTIONS

First Break is published monthly. It is free to EAGE members. The membership fee of EAGE is € 80.00 a year including First Break, EarthDoc (EAGE’s geoscience database), Learning Geoscience (EAGE’s Education website) and online access to a scientific journal.

Companies can subscribe to First Break via an institutional subscription. Every subscription includes a monthly hard copy and online access to the full First Break archive for the requested number of online users.

Orders for current subscriptions and back issues should be sent to First Break B.V., Journal Subscriptions, Kosterijland 48, 3981 AJ Bunnik, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 (0)88 9955055, E-mail: subscriptions@eage.org, www.firstbreak.org.

First Break is published by First Break B.V., The Netherlands. However, responsibility for the opinions given and the statements made rests with the authors.

All rights reserved. First Break or any part thereof may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying and recording, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

PAPER

The publisher’s policy is to use acid-free permanent paper (TCF), to the draft standard ISO/DIS/9706, made from sustainable forests using chlorine-free pulp (Nordic-Swan standard).

Laura Valentina Socco Vice-President

Edward Wiarda President

Aart-Jan van Wijngaarden Technical Programme Officer

Esther Bloem Chair Near Surface Geoscience Circle

Maren Kleemeyer Education Officer

Yohaney Gomez Galarza Chair Oil & Gas Geoscience Circle

Carla Martín-Clavé Chair Sustainable Energy Circle

Caroline Le Turdu Membership and Cooperation Officer

Peter Rowbotham Publications Officer

Pascal Breton Secretary-Treasurer

Energy transition topics will feature in course programme at 2024 Annual

In line with this year’s 85th EAGE Annual Conference in Oslo — ‘Technology and Talent for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future’ — we will be emphasising the importance of education including energy transition-related courses on geologic hydrogen and geothermal energy.

Maren Kleemeyer, EAGE education officer says: ‘Learning new skills is more critical during these times of rapid change to support the energy transition. Therefore, we would like to stimulate a faster distribution and sharing of knowledge between EAGE members by offering more and newer courses during the Annual conference.’

In February, two courses have already been confirmed: one with Dariusz Strąpoć (SLB) on ‘Exploration of subsurface natural geologic hydrogen and stimulation for its enhanced production’, and the other with Denis Voskov (TU Delft) on ‘Reservoir engineering of geothermal energy production’ covering the latest updates in these topics.

The exploration of subsurface natural geologic hydrogen and stimulation for its enhanced production will be discussed along with comparison of carbon footprint versus the price of the full palette of different sources of hydrogen. Included will be a comparison of energy output per mass and per volume between H2 and all major fuels. All industrial and natural sources and generating mechanisms and corresponding association with other gases as well as consumption fluxes will be described.

Global occurrences and seepages of natural H2 will be presented along with worldwide ongoing and planned exploration activity. Geologic setting of

the only H2 production field in Mali will be discussed. A series of challenges associated with natural H2 exploration and production will be detailed, including natural H2 systems differences and analogues to petroleum systems, drilling and logging associated challenges, downhole sampling and transportation, safety issues, and finally storage capacity challenges.

The natural and stimulated H2 systems require novel reactive transport and geologic systems modelling efforts. The current status of such modelling adjustments for H2 will also be part of the course. Strategies for stimulating natural hydrogen (orange H2) subsurface will be featured as well as enhancement of natural H2 generation and production rates including physical and chemical. The main challenges associated with subsurface stimulation will also be presented. The landscape activity and research initiatives in the orange H2 space will be updated and Helium exploration will be touched upon as a related topic, as in certain scenarios, this gas can be associated with natural H2.

Heating and cooling demand adds up to almost 50% of the EU’s total gross energy consumption. A large portion of this energy could be delivered by direct heat geothermal resources. The hands-on course ‘Reservoir engineering of geothermal energy production’ starts

Marie Tharp Award launched 04

Energy transition vision revealed at GET 11

Time to join Digital 2024 conversation

Windpower presentation at previous event.

with introductory lectures on basics of the geothermal energy production and basics of reservoir simulation, followed by two simulation exercises (using open-source software) starting from a simplified conceptual model and finishing with a full 3D model in realistic geological sediments. Participants should have prior knowledge of basic Python programming.

Visit eageannual.org for more details. Delegates can take advantage of the all access registration to participate in the courses, together with workshops, field trips and other activities — all at a reduced rate.

EAGE launches Marie Tharp sustainable energy award for young professionals

Over 2023, the geoscience and engineering community has endeavoured to advance the energy transition more than ever. To anticipate further transformations and the need to innovate, we are launching the Marie Tharp Award, a sustainable energy young professionals award dedicated to promising and creative talents among the next generation of leaders committed to transforming energy systems and speeding up the global energy transition.

Named after the renowned American geologist and oceanographic cartographer Marie Tharp, this recognition is a legacy between past and future generations to encourage students to explore beyond boundaries. The award is meant to acknowledge perseverance, willpower, and excellence in conserving our planet, in the spirit of Marie Tharp’s imaginative thinking and discoveries. The award is also intended to be a catalyst for future to spotlight on young talents in the geoscience and engineering community and accelerate the change needed for a sustainable future.

Eligible candidates must be MSc and PhD students pursuing a college curriculum directed towards a career in geoscience and engineering to support the clean energy transition. The submission procedure consists of a nomination pack-

age that must be sent to awards@eage.org by 23:59 CET on 1 March 2024.

The application process is straightforward yet comprehensive, requiring candidates to submit their CV, a list of publications (if applicable), and a nomination letter outlining their motivation, achievements, and ongoing projects. The letter should emphasise the student’s plans to contribute to advancing practices in the field of energy transition and the commitment to the geoscience and engineering community, as well as EAGE, in this

domain. Recognising the multi-dimensional nature of the challenge, the award encourages applications from a diverse range of disciplines.

The award winner will receive a grant to attend the EAGE 2024 GET Conference. Participation in the conference will not only recognise the awardee’s contribution but also provide an invaluable opportunity to network with industry experts, gain insights into the latest advancements, and fuel a passion for driving positive change in the energy transition landscape.

We encourage direct nominations of creative talents among the next generation of energy transition leaders.

Learning by doing in our hands-on course.

GET TO THE FINISH LINE FASTER

Why jump so many hurdles when there is a fast lane to superior results? DUG Multi-parameter FWI Imaging completely replaces the conventional processing and imaging workflow. It delivers high-resolution reflectivity images for both structural and quantitative interpretation, using field-data input—without the many time-consuming, subjective steps of the conventional method. Choose your lane.

Data courtesy of Shell

Coaching programme offers support for your career move

If you are a geoscientist looking to pivot your career and explore new opportunities, look no further… Whether you are a young or seasoned professional, let the EAGE coaching programme empower you to take your career to the next level. Choosing a career among several options or transitioning from one role to another role can be both exciting and challenging. Our coaching programme is designed to equip you with skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to smoothly navigate this change. Whether you’re

eyeing a role in data science, software engineering, or any other domain, our experienced coaches can help prepare you to take the next step.

The coaching programme can benefit you in a number of different ways, for example, building confidence by planning and prioritising your next moves while acquiring new habits and discipline to overcome the potential challenge of a new career role; creating a strategy to acquire any new technical skills; getting involved in group coaching for group and

team guidance tailored to your unique strengths and weaknesses in a cross-learning environment; and of course networking benefits of getting together with your peers to compare experiences. Check out the programme on the Learning Geoscience platform.

EAGE recognises the industry’s present challenging economic circumstances and provides assistance to members who are currently unemployed and looking for possibilities to access educational programmes. If you are unemployed and unsure about your next steps, you should definitely consider the coaching programme. Contact EAGE and check the Economic Hardship Programme on eage. org/membership/hardship-programme.

Also connect with our coaches on LinkedIn: Esther Bloem, Gwenola Michaud and Lucia Levato who are building a supportive community of like-minded professionals who are passionate about carving out new career paths. They created a LinkedIn page that at the moment serves as a hub introducing the programme. For inquiries and updates, visit their LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/company/navigatinggeoscience-careers.

21-22

29 FEB11 APR NAVIGATING CAREER CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION, BY E. BLOEM, L. LEVATO & G. MICHAUD

Efficient personal development is within reach with our coaching programme.

Workshop to explore frontiers of marine acquisition

The 4th EAGE Marine Acquisition Workshop in Oslo will be a significant event for operators, contractors, manufacturers, and academia to discuss the latest geophysical and technical developments and innovations in marine acquisition.

‘In response to the energy trilemma, our workshop will explore not only hydrocarbon exploration and production seismic solutions but also energy transition related applications such as CCS and offshore wind. We welcome contributions on marine seismic methods and other relevant marine geophysical methods, aiming to drive innovation in the industry forward,’ says Martin Widmaier, chair of the Technical Committee.

The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in marine acquisition, the workshop will cover seismic source and sensor technologies, novel acquisition geometries, survey design solutions, and operational aspects. Attendees will share recent experiences and lessons learned from case studies, and explore future visions. The scope encompasses a broad spectrum of applications, from hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir monitoring to high-resolution near-surface methods for offshore wind, CCS development surveys, nuclear waste management, and marine mineral exploration.

The workshop features a diverse technical programme encompassing a variety of topics including Seismic source technology - innovative source configurations, blending technologies, and environmental considerations; Acquisition and modelling

- ocean bottom seismics, new deployment methods, and survey planning advancements; Geophysical applications, e.g., distributed fibre optic sensing and high energy geophysics like Muon geotomography; and New energy applications such as offshore wind, marine minerals, CCS monitoring, and nuclear waste management.

Abstract submissions are open until 31 March 2024, 23:59 CET. For more information and to submit your abstract, visit the event website.

EAGE and SUT to collaborate on offshore renewable energy workshop in Boston

EAGE and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) have launched the first joint event in a planned global workshop series to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across the offshore energy sector.

The inaugural EAGE/SUT Workshop on Integrated Site Characterization for Offshore Renewable Energy is to be held on 20-23 May 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts with the aim of addressing the intricate challenges posed by diverse geological and metocean conditions in the region.

Offshore renewable energy projects, ranging from near-shore shallow waters to deep-sea environments, face inherent com-

plexities arising from geological histories and varying metocean conditions. A comprehensive approach is required, integrating geological, geophysical, geotechnical, and environmental data within a robust geological and engineering framework.

The workshop is tailored to bridge the gap and enhance understanding between the geotechnical and geoscience communities. It will provide insights into industry updates, including market conditions, supply chain dynamics, and perspectives on the project pipeline. Discussions will cover government permitting processes and licence data requirements, site assessment procedures, and environmental impact assessments.

The EAGE/SUT Workshop in Boston marks a pivotal moment for the offshore renewable energy sector in the United States. By concentrating on integrated site characterisation and tackling region-specific challenges, the workshop should foster collaboration and propel the industry towards a sustainable future. Industry experts and academics are encouraged to contribute to the workshop, ensuring a rich and diverse exchange of knowledge that will shape the trajectory of offshore renewable energy development in the US. Join us!

Speaker and audience interaction at a vibrant workshop.

Forum set to revisit Namibia’s hydrocarbon prospects

EAGE’s Sub-Saharan Africa Energy Forum takes place on 4-6 March 2024 in Windhoek, capital of Namibia and provides a premier opportunity to discuss offshore prospects in one of the most underexplored oil and gas provinces in the world. The workshop will focus on the Africa petroleum system providing a a great space to engage with fellow professionals and thought leaders in essential discussions about integrative studies and future projects.

Join us and share your expertise on relevant topics due for discussion such as

the regional petroleum geology, machine learning, hydrogeology, remote sensing, geothermal investigation, mineralogy and more.

Register now for the EAGE’s Sub-Saharan Africa Energy Forum to avail of a 50% discount on registration fees for all participants residing in Africa!

View the Technical Programme and register now!

Serbian mountain venue for 12 th BGS Congress

Coming May, our Associated Society BGS (the Balkan Geophysical Society) will open its doors to its 12th Congress and Technical Exhibition.

This year the event is scheduled for Kopaonik Mountain in Serbia, hosted by the Association of Geophysicists and Environmentalists of Serbia (AGES). As one of the six country societies in the BGS partnership, AGES hosts the meeting on a rotation basis and has selected the spectacular location of the Kopaonik National Park for the 2024 edition.

The Kopaonik Mountain massif is one of the largest and longest mountains in the country, with its peak at 2017 m. Occasionally the ski season there lasts

until May, but it is also an ideal destination for hikers.

Together with its sister societies, AGES operates as a not-for-profit organisation with the mission to promote collaboration and mutual assistance between geophysicists from the member countries, support university education in the field of geophysics, as well as networking and friendship among members. The BGS Congress is organised every third year, at the end of each country’s presidency. The first edition was held in Athens in 1996 and the last one till now – the 11th – was held in Bucharest in 2021 but took place online. The last time AGES led the Congress was in 2009 – the 5th

edition – when almost 250 professionals and students contributed to a successful gathering in Belgrade under the theme ‘Geophysics at the crossroads’.

The forthcoming edition (27-31 May 2024) will be dedicated to ‘Geophysics for a better world’ and has the ambition to go beyond its traditional topics (earth physics, geodynamics and seismology, regional geophysics and tectonics, near-surface, engineering and environmental geophysics, coastal and marine geophysics, energy and resources, geo-hazards, climate change and risk assessment, remote sensing and UAV geophysics, computing technology in geophysics and geoscience for society, education and environment).

Young professionals and students will be a focus, with a special programme dedicated to them to emphasise the importance of young leaders for a sustainable and inclusive future – working together for a positive social change. The event will be supported by EAGE and the National Petroleum Committee of Serbia – World Petroleum Council (NNKS). Keep an eye out for the websites of AGES and EAGE for updates.

The spectacular Kopaonik Mountain will frame the next edition of the BGS Congress.

WORKSHOP REPORT

Seabed seismic workshop features continuing research and innovation

The 85 geoscientists and engineers who attended the Second EAGE Seabed Seismic Today Workshop in Milan on 18-20 September were treated to the presentation of novel technologies and numerous successful case histories, some not previously presented. We report on some of the highlights.

Images obtained with the so-called reflectivity FWI are becoming increasingly accepted in the industry. Whether they are an accurate representation of the subsurface is unclear. In his keynote speech René-Édouard Plessix highlighted the importance of pre-processing to magnify FWI sensitivity to the events that we want to interpret. Preconditioning in the model space is important to speed-up convergence.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) was featured in the New Energy session. Case histories from Malaysia, Norway and the UK showed some innovative methods such as the deployment of self-recovery nodes and using unmanned surface vehicles in very shallow water. Despite progress, further enhancement in resolution is needed.

The desire for removing the effects of the water layer in OBN processing in complex geological scenarios calls for more advanced methods such as multidimensional deconvolution. Davide Calcagni (ENI), during his opening address, and Ahmad Riza Ghazali (Petronas), in his keynote presentation in the joint session with the 7th EAGE Borehole Geophysics workshop, highlighted that shear and converted waves recorded during seabed acquisitions are not used to their full potential.

Dr Ghazali proposed a consortium with academic and industrial partners for improving PS processing. Several representatives of processing companies reported that their processing centres spend more time than planned in processing auxiliary data, near-field hydrophones (NFH) in particular. It was proposed that chief geophysicists of the major acquisition and processing companies should get together to agree on a standard. However, several acquisition contractors were hesitant, probably due to the perceived cost of upgrading long-in-the-tooth gun controllers.

Seabed seismic acquisition

Carsten Udengaard and Nicolas Tellier presented and discussed field data from respectively an optimized airgun array and a large volume, low pressure pneumatic source, both commercially available for the seismic industry.

Tim Bunting proposed a method based on the measurement of the temperature for OCXO type of clocks to estimate and compensate for clock drift. This could lead to a commercial alternative to CSAC.

Chris Walker presented the logistic challenges and solutions of the world largest seismic to date in the Arabian Gulf in water depths from zero to 30 m. Simultaneous recording of onshore and shallow water data when either onshore vibrators or offshore airguns were activated was one of the several distinctive features of this project.

Hugo Ruiz presented a technology that, if incorporated in an OBN survey, enables the measurement of node depths with a relative accuracy of a few centimetres in deep waters.

Processing and model building

Arash Jafar Gandomi presented a machine learning method for noise attenuation in the Z component based on the assumption that the P component is noise-free whilst the radial component contains the noise reference. Discussion raised issue of conditions that may invalidate the assumption

that the radial component is the reference for the shear-on-z noise.

Max Vassallo presented a method (Spectral gap-based survey design with time dithers) to optimally design simultaneous source surveys that facilitates deblending model building.

Denes Vigh presented elastic FWI applied to a sparse OBN dataset acquired in the Gulf of Mexico with two source vessels and triple source. The distance between receivers was 1200x1200 m.

Tom Rayment presented multiparameter FWI asserting that the reflectivity obtained has resolution superior to that obtained using pre-processing and migration. The modelling kernel is visco-acoustic with fixed Qp.

Fang Wang presented the results of processing sparse nodes and streamers acquired over Nordkaap basin (Barents Sea) as well as in Fram (Norwegian Sea). The Barents Sea example used sources above the streamers that enabled the acquisition of offsets close to 0 m. However, the first 100 m of offsets were discarded because of clipping. On both examples, elastic FWI handled well anisotropy, as shown from the ties to the wells.

New energy and case studies

Koon Hong Ho showed a node survey design for CCS on a depleted reservoir 140 m depth over 100 km2 in a survey area covered by a gas cloud. Eventually, a parallel shooting configuration was chosen.

Sandrine David presented a case history to assess the value of OBN acquisition for CCS in the Sleipner field. Target depth was 800-1000 m, water depth 80 m. The objective was to demonstrate that mini-streamers can provide better imaging in the overburden and plume level whilst the OBN (500 x 525 m) was used for velocity model building but not imaging.

Seabed seismic committee and speakers group photo.

CONFERENCE REPORT

Geoenergy explored through geostatistical lenses

During a rainy week in the picturesque coastal city of Porto, over 120 international geostatisticians gathered for the 5th EAGE Petroleum Geostatistics Conference. This is the report.

The scientific programme offered 45 oral presentations and 22 posters in an event attended by a mix of academics and industry coming from Norway, Saudi Arabia, UK, France, and Brazil among others.

In line with tradition, there were plenty of presentations on geomodelling and geostatistics, which are core elements in this community. Reliable modelling and uncertainty quantification of subsurface variables are important for capturing the right dependencies and the physical realism. This in turn generates robust estimates of geological subsurface properties and volumetric predictions.

Compared with earlier versions of the event, there was a growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Several presentations focused on new approaches for bridging geomodelling and geostatistics with AI and ML, and described ideas on how the community can utilise developments in AI and ML for efficient modelling and prediction. Even though there are still substantial bottlenecks with computational costs, available training data, realistic uncertainty quantification, and interpretability of results created by ML and AI, this field is clearly thriving, and numerous promising research directions were presented at the event.

Moving beyond petroleum, the vision of the conference was ‘Towards a sustain-

able era of geoenergy’, and the community was keen to see new interests related to the energy transition. There were inspiring presentations covering H2, CO2, geothermal, and uranium mapping. Keynotes also highlighted elements related to the energy transition, including CO2 storage and sequestration, as well as decision-making under uncertainty.

Sebastian Geiger from Delft, the Netherlands, gave a keynote presentation on rapid dynamic reservoir modelling for sensitivity analysis and decision support systems in the context of CO2 storage and monitoring. Fernanda Veloso from BRGM, France, in his keynote prsented a pilot scale project for CO2 sequestration and storage in the Paris basin. Reidar Bratvold from Stavanger, Norway, offered a keynote on experts being optimistically biased in predicting reservoir performance.

On the last day of the conference, we had a brief panel debate on the energy transition and the role of geostatistics in this setting. The panel consisted of Colin Daly (SLB), Amilcar Soares (Lisbon University), Reidar Bratvold (University of Stavanger), and Ana Sousa (government representative, Lisbon) with interesting reflections on the current challenges and opportunities. At universities, the word ‘petroleum’ is no longer prominent in any study programme or course, and this change has taken place rather quickly.

In companies, there is now more focus on energy as a whole, and the trend is maybe more multi-disciplinary activity and regarding this as a portfolio of energy contributions with smaller margins than before. There is a tricky balance between sustainable energy for all, at low costs and the ambitious goals of reducing CO2 emissions on our way to net-zero.

Geomodelling and geostatistics are in many ways enabling disciplines that are in a good position to contribute to the energy transition, but there will be other questions with new energy sources and the type and amounts of data could be different. The community is endorsing AI and ML, but there is a gap between what we are doing currently to understand properties of these methods for geostatistics and what we are after down the line. Tighter margins might not mean more AI than geostatistics. Reliable uncertainty quantification will continue to be important and this also leads to improved decision-making processes.

Apart from the scientific presentations, we ventured across the beautiful Douro River for the conference dinner which took place at an old port wine storage site turned into a restaurant and show place. In the setting of food and music, folklore dancing and port wine, we had the pleasure of digesting the tasty codfish and delicious sweets.

There was plenty to talk about at Porto meeting.

GET2023 enhances the energy transition vision

The fourth edition of EAGE’s Global Energy Transition Conference and Exhibition (GET2023) was a notable event in the energy and geoscience sectors. This is what went down.

The strategic committee’s focus was to deliver an engaging programme which placed the wide-ranging challenges, solutions, and future of our industry in a global perspective. The main themes of our plenary sessions included the role of governments and regulatory frameworks, our own company journeys and why a people-centred energy transition is key. This last point is linked to how we can achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SGD7) of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable modern energy for all and having a just and inclusive energy transition. The inclusion of individuals from a range of professional backgrounds provided broad perspectives and facilitated thought-provoking discussion among the conference attendees.

Over 300 delegates from various countries and organisations convened, featuring 92 presenters, 5 keynote speakers, and 40+ panellists. We welcomed a diverse array of professionals, with significant representation from disciplines such as CO2 storage, geophysics, geology, and geothermal, as well as substantial participation from fields like reservoir engineering, environmental science, petrophysics, petroleum engineering, mining,

‘As conference chair I was really encouraged by the active participation and strong discussions in the strategic sessions. I believe that events like GET are essential to keep the dialogue between regulators, operators and service companies moving at pace to identify the most effective solutions for Net Zero.’

Ellie MacInnes

GET2023 chair and new business development, Green Tech at CGG

and geochemistry. Students, academic researchers, government agencies, technical and engineering service providers, and energy company leaders and practitioners were all among the audience.

Adrian Robinson, new ventures origination manager at Chevron, highlighted the conference’s cooperative spirit and potential for growth, saying: ‘This enabled a rich dialogue and the sharing of multiple perspectives, as well as an effective communication and learning experience for delegates on a variety of new energies topics. I encourage expansion of the technical themes in future meetings to differentiate the GET and cement its reputation in Europe.’

The exhibition space evolved into a dynamic area where attendees interacted, and companies showcased innovative services. The space became a key location fulfilling EAGE’s goal to merge technical knowledge sharing with broader discussions on the essential skills and solutions within the geoscientific community to facilitate the energy transition.

‘Looking back on GET 2023 it is easy to highlight the impact and technical quality of the topics covered. However, I feel the true success of the event was the cross-domain discussions that were enabled between practitioners of geoscience who are all working towards to the common goal of a successful energy transition. The EAGE has exciting plans for GET 2024 and I look forward to seeing you in Rotterdam.’

Mike Branston

GET2023 Technical Committee chair and new energy domain lead at SLB

The technical programme, as usual, reflected the solid technical tradition of EAGE, with over 100 presentations capturing a wide audience, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the energy transition. Mike Branston, GET2023 technical committee chair and new energy domain lead at SLB, commented: ‘We saw a continued growth in the topic of carbon storage, with representation from new research through to case examples of the key projects that are in operation today. The topic of geothermal energy was also a key area of focus with talks on geological and geophysical characterization as well as discussions on risk mitigation and future solutions aimed at improving performance. Looking toward the challenges of the future, both hydrogen and energy storage were well represented as was public engagement. Each of these will have critical roles in the mid to long term and reflect the breadth and success of the technical programme.’

GET2023’s strategic programme took an expansive view, with energy sector leaders, policymakers, and financial experts in discussion together. Expert panellists from CGG, WoodMackenzie, Equinor, iCRAG, BRGM, S&P Global, TotalEnergies,

Conference high on transition conversation.

IEA, Shell, and DNV Energy Systems, among others, had the opportunity to share their insights into sustainable financing, the complexities of government regulations, and the rise of new business models in the energy sector.

A focal point of the programme was the transformation of traditional businesses into sustainable energy entities, aligning with global environmental goals. Sessions on ‘Accelerating new energy technologies’ and ‘New energy business models’ provided insights into progress in the sector. Additionally, ‘Geoscience communication and societal engagement’ highlighted the importance of effectively communicating scientific knowledge and engaging communities in the transition process. Overall, the discussions illuminated the complex and dynamic nature of the energy transition, showcasing a variety of sustainable energy solutions and strategies. A notable feature was LUSVAL’s session on climate change strategies, which provided an engaging, interactive experience to the delegates using the En-ROADS tool to simulate the impact of proposed solutions on global climate factors.

The dedicated technical discussions, a new addition this year, focused on key topics faced within the energy transition and complemented the wider strategic programme. The discussion on the shift from a fuel intensive to a material intensive energy system was a significant highlight and succeeded in bringing to the fore the role that geoscience must play in support of the supply network needed for a successful transition. In support of the core programme on carbon storage we hosted two dedicated sessions which targeted key areas of recent experience: the evolving regulatory framework for carbon storage and a review of recent successes achieved by leaders in the development of carbon storage. That latter closed the event with a very open and honest account of what has happened and what needs to happen as we scale up carbon storage from the perspective of innovators, operators and regulators. José María González Muñoz (Repsol), noted the evolving nature of CCS regulation, remarking on three key takeaways - ‘the necessity of collaboration, the importance of adapting to a dynamic regulatory environment, and the anticipation of future technical and financial risk-based improvements’.

Ranging from meet-and-greet events with EAGE communities to the celebration of the Minus CO2 Challenge winners, participants were offered a space for continued conversation and connections beyond the technical sessions. The Icebreaker Reception and Conference Evening provided perfect settings for casual networking and stimulating conversations, enriching the overall experience.

Before the main conference and exhibition, participants were offered pre-conference activities, including a short course

and an explorer tour. The Explorer Tour was particularly noted for its visits to leading R&D energy centres such as the Institut de Chimie Moléculaire et des Matériaux d’Orsay, SOLEIL Synchrotron, and EDF Lab, providing attendees with a first-hand look at energy innovation. The ‘Basics of carbon capture and storage’ course received high praise from delegates from diverse professional backgrounds, including geology, environmental science, policy, and investment. Vincent Prieux from CGG specifically commended the comprehensive talk by Mike Stephenson (director, Stephenson Geoscience Consulting) for its depth and relevance.

‘From the initial cohort of early adopters at the inaugural GET to its evolution into a mainstream event held in Paris, it has been a privilege for me, as a technical committee member, to witness the remarkable growth of the GET conference. This growth is evident not only in the diversity of subjects covered but also in the advancement of technical skills and the ambitious scope of the conference. Against the backdrop of the recent COP conference and the inevitable energy transition facing our industry, the GET conference stands as a guiding beacon, showcasing the vital role that geoscience can and must play — from wind farms to geothermal and, indeed, CCS/CCUS. I’ve had the pleasure of engaging in insightful talks, valuable networking, and, thanks to Paris and EAGE, enjoying delightful cuisine. In this light, sponsoring the GET conference was a straightforward decision for SpotLight.’

Habib al Khatib

GET2023 Technical Committee member and CEO at SpotLight

As the event drew to a close, anticipation for GET2024 began to build. Scheduled for 4-7 November 2024 in Rotterdam, the next edition promises to continue the discussion on the shaping of our energy future.

The conference will feature four sub-conferences dedicated to offshore wind energy, carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, and hydrogen and energy storage. Stay tuned to eageget. org for more details on the upcoming conference, where the journey towards a sustainable energy future continues.

Meeting moment to remember.

Synergy Day proves a first for Latin American students

In a landmark event, the EAGE Student Chapter Universidad de Los Andes with the support of the EAGE Student Chapter Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá recently hosted the inaugural Synergy Day, marking the first-ever geosciences congress tailored by and for students of the field. This vibrant event was held in Bogotá, Colombia, with a primary focus on showcasing diverse research endeavours from undergraduate students and student research groups.

Featuring a lineup of 11 presentations, the day covered a spectrum of geoscience topics, ranging from paleontology to energy transition-related issues. Exploration geophysics and white hydrogen in Colombia emerged as focal points, highlighting the

inter-disciplinary nature of contemporary geoscience research. The integration of artificial intelligence in seismic signal processing and its implications for ecosystem services were also discussed. The poster session showcased research in petrology and seismology, all underpinned by methodologies for information processing.

Beyond academic presentations, Synergy Day sought to foster more inclusive dialogues. The ‘Shaking the rocks’ panel discussed the importance of addressing gender roles and diversity in geosciences. Voices from Colombia’s network of female geologists, student bodies and industry professionals came together to explore perceptions of gender roles in

geosciences and the challenges the sector faces in achieving equality.

Synergy Day not only marked a significant event in the academic calendar but also served as a rallying call for unity and cooperation in the pursuit of advancing geoscience research and addressing the challenges of our changing world.

Nigerian event encourages empowerment of students

The 41st Nigerian Association of Petroleum Exploration Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAPE AICE 2023) unfolded as a dynamic showcase of the world of geoscience, energy transition, and technology innovation. With attendance made possible by the generous support of the EAGE Student Fund, the EAGE Student Chapter from the University of Port Harcourt embarked on a journey of discovery.

A notable highlight of their experience was the Basin Evaluation Competition (BEC), a simulated petroleum exploration scenario akin to the Laurie Dake Challenge. Teams, armed with datasets specific to the Niger Delta Basin, engaged in prospect and lead identification, risk assessment, and field development planning. Although their university was absent from the competition this year, the Chapter’s past victories in 2016 and 2018 (first

the end the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) students were the winners.

The lead technical paper session featured a comprehensive review by Clement Chukwuka, an industry subject matter expert and geologist at Chevron Lagos, Nigeria. He spoke on the regulatory framework and critical enablers for the viability of the oil and gas business in Nigeria, pointing to the need for regulatory flexibility to encourage the return of International Oil Companies to the Niger Delta Basin.

At the Energy Odyssey Case Study session by Shell, students were immersed

in defining plays, prospects, and computing volumes. Armed with hard copies of data, formula sheets, seismic information, and field structural maps, the hands-on experience provided invaluable insights into real-world challenges and solutions.

The Women in Geoscience & Engineering (WiWE) keynote speaker highlighted the importance of harnessing technological innovation for inclusion and sustainability, underlining the key role of diversity in geosciences.

The students’ journey also included crucial meetings with faculty advisors from the University of Calabar, Niger Delta University, Rivers State University, and Akwa Ibom State University. Discussions centred on the need to establish active EAGE Student Chapters and facilitate the Port Harcourt EAGE Local Chapter, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for aspiring geoscientists.

Quiz time in an exhibition booth at the NAPE AICE 2023.

Representatives of ‘Shaking the rocks’ panel discussion.

Basin Research (BR) is an international journal which aims to publish original, high impact research papers on sedimentary basin systems. A new edition (Volume 36, Issue 1) will be published in February.

Geophysical Prospecting (GP) publishes primary research on the science of geophysics as it applies to the exploration, evaluation and extraction of earth resources. Drawing heavily on contributions from researchers in the oil and mineral exploration industries, the journal has a very practical slant. A new edition (Volume 72, Issue 2) will be published in February, featuring 33 articles.

Editor’s Choice articles:

• Temporal dispersion correction for wave-propagation modelling with a series approach – W. A. Mulder

• Elastic properties of unconsolidated sandstones of interest for carbon storage – C. M. Sayers et al.

Near Surface Geophysics (NSG) is an international journal for the publication of research and developments in geophysics applied to the near surface. The emphasis lies on shallow land and marine geophysical investigations addressing challenges in various geoscientific fields. A new edition (Volume 22, Issue 1) will be published in February, featuring 7 articles.

Editor’s Choice article:

• The utilization of ghost reflections retrieved by seismic interferometry for layer-specific characterization of the shallow subsurface – F. Shirmohammadi et al.

Petroleum Geoscience (PG) publishes a balanced mix of articles covering exploration, exploitation, appraisal, development and enhancement of sub-surface hydrocarbon resources and carbon repositories. A new edition (Volume 30, Issue 1) will be published in February, featuring 13 articles.

Editor’s Choice articles:

• Fault-seal analysis in the Greater Bay du Nord area, Flemish Pass Basin, offshore Newfoundland – Asdrúbal J. Bernal

• Fracture distribution along open folds in southern Tunisia: implications for naturally fractured reservoirs – Ruaridh Smith et al.

Geoenergy celebrates its first year

In its first year of publication, the new EAGE/Geological Society journal Geoenergy has exceeded all our targets for submission and published contributions. Attracting a wide range of papers, the journal launched in January 2023 sets a new benchmark for publications focused on energy transition, perhaps the biggest global challenge of the 21st century.

Building on the strong legacy of the long-running Petroleum Geoscience journal, also published jointly by the EAGE/Geological Society, this timely new publication meets the requirement for a technically robust journal with focus on geoscience and engineering and the challenge to unlock renewable resources from the subsurface. In the first year we have had 58 submissions and already published 19 papers, covering a range of topics, from carbon capture and sequestration, critical minerals, nuclear waste storage and geothermal energy.

An Editorial Board was established, led by Prof Jonathan Redfern (University of Manchester) as editor-in-chief, bringing together an international team of deputy editors with diverse expertise: Prof Sebastian Geiger (TU Delft, Netherlands), Dr Kathryn Moore (University of Exeter, UK), Prof Rosalind Archer (Griffith University, NZ), Prof Zuleima Karpyn (PennState, USA) and journal manager Lucy Bell. Their dedication is highly valued, as is the hard work of referees, because without that commitment our society and ability to edit/improve and then ultimately publish these ground-breaking papers would be impossible.

Some of the most read papers in 2023 include: 3D reservoir simulation of CO2 injection in a deep saline aquifer of the Lower Paleozoic Potsdam Sandstone of the St Lawrence Platform, Gentilly Block, Quebec by Konstantinovskaya et al., Structural discontinuities and their control on hydrothermal systems in the Great Basin, USA by Siler, and Exploring natural hydrogen hotspots: a review and soil-gas survey design for identifying seepage by Langhi et al.

We have several thematic collections in progress, including ‘Digitally enabled geoscience workflows: unlocking the power of our data’ and ‘Sustainable geological disposal and containment of radioactive waste’. We look forward to announcing more in the coming year, focusing on the main themes driving our science. We have also initiated new viewpoint articles that highlight key themes or issues that affect this area of research and associated industries.

Later in the year a selection of papers from Geoenergy will be showcased at the EAGE Annual meeting in Oslo, where authors have been invited to present their work at a dedicated session. We look forward to seeing you all there, and to your future submissions, as Geoenergy establishes itself as the leading journal in the subject.

Best chapters meet online with mineral exploration on the agenda

In a culmination of their outstanding achievements, the EAGE Local Chapter Netherlands and the IPN Mexico Student Chapter, recognised respectively as the Best Local Chapter and Best Student Chapter of 2023, joined forces for a collaborative webinar on mineral exploration.

Last November more than 30 members, including students and industry professionals, met to share knowledge and discuss collaboration.

The chosen topic, mineral exploration, reflected the critical role minerals play in the energy transition and the evolving landscape of geoscience technologies and practices.

Feven Desta, assistant professor at TU Delft, Netherlands, spoke about the fundamental role minerals play in our daily lives and the importance

of environmentally friendly extraction. According to Desta, ‘Everything around us is built up out of minerals, the buildings we work in, our phones, our daily lives, all are founded on minerals. So, we need minerals, we need extraction, and we need to do it environmentally friendly.’

Chris Nind, vice-president of business development at Abitibi Geophysics, Canada, and a member of the EAGE Technical Committee on Mineral Exploration Geophysics, highlighted the need for integration across geology, geophysics, and geochemistry to improve significant discovery rates in mineral exploration. ‘Success will require integration making use of our entire mineral exploration toolkit to improve significant discovery rates,’ Nind said.

Beyond the technical discussions, the webinar served as an inspirational platform for two of EAGE’s most active communities to connect, share best practices, and offer valuable advice. The dialogue extended from experienced professionals to the next generation of geoscientists and engineers, fostering a collaborative spirit that encapsulates the essence of EAGE.

If you missed the live session, fear not, as EAGE continues to provide opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with geoscience professionals worldwide. Make sure to join or renew your EAGE membership to stay connected and benefit from a world of opportunities in 2024. The collaborative spirit exhibited by the Best Chapters of 2023 serves as a beacon for the vibrant future of geosciences within the EAGE community.

Visit eage.org for more success stories of our communities. You are also welcomed to be part of our Local Chapters, Student Chapters, Special Interest and Technical Communities.

The EAGE Student Fund supports student activities that help students bridge the gap between university and professional environments. This is only possible with the support from the EAGE community. If you want to support the next generation of geoscientists and engineers, go to donate.eagestudentfund.org or simply scan the QR code. Many thanks for your donation in advance!

Presentation from Joeri Brackenhoff, vice-president of the EAGE Local Chapter Netherlands.

Presentation from Jasay Munguía, vice president of the EAGE Student Chapter IPN México.

Get involved in the conversation at EAGE Digital 2024

The Fourth EAGE Digitalization Conference and Exhibition (25-27 March, Paris, France) promises to be a pivotal event in the energy industry. The Plenary Panel and Strategic Programme will convene experts and leaders to engage deeply on how to leverage people, data, and innovative technologies to make smarter investment decisions, build resilient companies, and drive our journey towards net zero. Here is what you can look forward to.

Day 1: New ways of working

Panel: Demystifying Generative AI - With the advent of technologies like ChatGPT, the aim is to uncover the potential for innovation that generative AI brings and will assess the key risks and challenges associated with its implementation at the enterprise level.

Roundtable: Is the future citizenship development? - The advent of low-code and no-code platforms has ushered in a new era in software development, allowing non-programmers to create tailored software solutions, the ‘democratisation’ of software development in the energy sector. How do such platforms enable geoscientists, engineers, and other domain experts to meet specific business needs through custom software?

Roundtable: Dynamic digital ecosystems - This session focuses on the need for oil and gas companies to develop low-carbon technologies and innovate their business models and how open innovation can create robust digital ecosystems which can be leveraged for competitive advantage.

Case histories: Reducing the carbon footprint of geoscientists - The session will provide a comprehensive platform to discuss the various aspects of a geoscientist’s role and how these can be adapted to minimise environmental impact.

Roundtable: Automated geoscience insights - The dialogue will focus on the impact of automation and digitalization in the energy sector, especially in light of increasing renewable energy use and decarbonization efforts.

Day 2: Data & Tools

Panel: Challenges for enterprise AI - The session will evaluate critical challenges, including data security, legal concerns in a data-driven environment, the extensive data and computing requirements of AI, and the need to adapt workforce, culture, and existing infrastructure.

Roundtable: Status of OSDU adoption - We will take a critical look at the adoption of the Open Subsurface Data Universe (OSDU) standard across the global energy sector. The session will discuss the current status of industry readiness, exploring the challenges, progress, and strategies different organisations are employing to integrate OSDU.

Roundtable: Managing a highly dynamic technology environment - This panel will address key challenges for tech managers in the O&G industry, specifically navigating a dynamic technology development environment with an increasingly rapid turnover of ideas, solutions and applications; and leveraging disruptive technologies, while managing stability in processes, to develop good industrial solutions.

Case histories - Optimised computing platforms - Case studies will highlight the advancements and efficiencies gained through optimised computing in the energy sector. Various real-world examples will be discussed.

Roundtable: Digital twins and the next generation of integration platforms - Here we will focus on the latest developments and future trajectory of digital twin technology and integration platforms in the energy sector.

Day 3: People

Panel Human barriers to adopting new digital solutions - The panel will examine the often under-acknowledged human challenges inhibiting the adoption of new technologies in the energy sector.

Roundtable: Efficient change management - We will examine the critical role of change management in ensuring the effective adoption and implementation of digital technologies in the energy sector.

Roundtable: Innovation leadership - Leadership plays a critical role in the success of digital initiatives. Technology and innovation leaders must set the tone for a culture that values experimentation, embraces disruption, and encourages creativity and risk-taking. How can leaders empower the people within their organisations and leverage the latest digital tools?

Case histories: Accelerating geoscience learning -The session will showcase impactful examples of how accelerated learning processes are transforming geoscience education and practice.

Roundtable: Reshaping tomorrow’s energy professions - Meeting modern geoscience challenges increasingly relies on the integration of domain expertise and broad data science competencies to develop unique solutions for complex problems. We will analyse the ways in which energy professions are evolving and the challenges in empowering existing professionals to better leverage the power of data and digital tools to accelerate innovation and net zero goals.

Interested in contributing to these critical discussions? Contact us at europe@eage.org for speaking opportunities. Register at www.eagedigital.org before 10 February to benefit from reduced fees.

Pursuing geoscience in time of war Personal Record Interview

As war enters third year, Dmitry Bozhezha continues to provide EAGE’s service point in Kyiv, Ukraine, running a busy events and membership programme. In his academic and industry career dedicated to innovation, he is currently R&D director, Geoprom, a small research company pioneering geoelectric prospecting technology.

Upbringing in Kyiv

My childhood is vividly imprinted with memories of accompanying my mother, a hydrogeologist, on field work during the summers. Starting from the age of four, I found myself exploring the mountain rivers of the Carpathians, the vast steppe regions of the Donbas, and the picturesque Crimean Peninsula. These early adventures left an indelible mark on my life. However, this period was not without its challenges, occurring during the Soviet occupation of Ukraine and the disastrous Chernobyl accident.

Student/early career

At 15, I officially began my professional journey at the hydrogeological laboratory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Already intrigued by the evolution of personal computers, I eagerly embraced their application in scientific research throughout my studies which I completed at the Institute of Geological Science National Academy of Ukraine. My focus initially revolved around the development of unconventional atmogeochemical methods for hydrocarbon prospecting. Subsequently, my research expanded to include innovative geoelectric methods. To date, I am proud to have published over 200 papers, contributing significantly to the advancement of these methodologies and their applications.

Current job at Geoprom

As R&D director at Geoprom, I am involved in harnessing our collective knowledge and expertise to pioneer innovative, cost-effective geoelectric research technology, addressing challenges in the prospecting of hydrocarbon, mineral, and

water resources. Our approach is distinctive for its swift problem-solving capabilities, result reliability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. We have successfully executed over 400 projects, in Ukraine and internationally,

Everyday life in Kyiv

In the early days of the war, our city lay deserted as numerous residents, including my wife and daughters left for Poland. My mother and I stayed in the western part of the Ukraine. Following our victorious reclaiming of Kyiv, the enemy has retreated, and many people have returned. We strive to maintain a semblance of normality in our lives. However, during air attacks, life comes to a standstill. Residents seek refuge in shelters, The impact of enemy bombardments is evident in the destruction, loss of life, and suffering that every resident of Kyiv has witnessed first-hand.

From my window, I witnessed the aftermath of an attack drone just 200 metres from my home. Eleven flats were damaged serving as a stark reminder of the proximity of danger. From our shelters, we hear the reverberations of hundreds of explosions in various parts of the city.

How EAGE relationship began

In 2007, I took the significant step of becoming a member of EAGE and had the opportunity to attend my first international event. The EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition held in London. The scale and impact of this meeting left a lasting impression on me.

Back in Kyiv, I volunteered with the EAGE Kyiv Local Chapter and was instrumental in organising the Ukrainian conference on Geoinformatics, over the years

Dmitry Bozhezha

incorporating European standards. In 2011, a memorandum was signed between EAGE and AUAG to collaboratively organise the Geoinformatics conference. This partnership significantly elevated the conference’s profile, attracting a substantial number of international participants.

Achievements with EAGE

Since joining the EAGE team in 2010, my commitment to promoting Ukrainian events has taken on a new dimension. There are now four events in Ukraine, in addition to Geoinformatics, the Monitoring Conference, the Geoterrace Young Scientists Conference, and a workshop on landslides. Unlike other conferences in the post-Soviet space, these events are now in English only, which increases the audience and reputation.

Since the outbreak of the war, we have continued to organise these events online, and have made participation not only in these conferences but also in all EAGE events free of charge for all Ukrainians. Also, an EAGE programme of support for scientists from Ukraine has been launched.

Optimistic about future?

I remain optimistic about a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict, anticipating a return to stability. With the restoration of peace, I foresee a growing interest in my country, Ukraine, not only in terms of scientific research but also in the realm of international conferences. Before the war, my daughter accompanied me to some field work from the age of six, as I did in my childhood, so I want to continue this tradition until she grows up. And that requires peace.

CROSSTALK

BY ANDREW M c BARNET

BUSINESS

Interest in coal mines is heating up

A hamlet in the English county of Nottinghamshire, so small it has a church but no shops, is earning at least a footnote in Britain’s energy transition. This is because the community of Ratcliffe-on Soar neighbours the country’s last coal-fired power station, operated by German energy company Uniper. The plant is definitively due to close in October this year after a brief reprieve related to the threat to European power supplies after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ironically, in recent years coal imported from Russia had been its main source of fuel.

Once the dying embers are extinguished at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Britain will become one of the first countries in the world to give up on the use of coal for generation of electricity, a pledge made in 2015. Since the world’s first centralised public coal-fired generator opened in 1882, at Holborn Viaduct in London, Britain had some continuous coal-fired power generation until the first ‘coal-free’ day was declared in April 2017.

Actual mining of coal in the country has reached almost zero, the final chapter in the extraordinary story of how coal fueled Britain’s emergence as the first great power of the First Industrial Revolution thanks to manufacture of iron, factory textile mills, steamships, and steam engines for transport and many other purposes.

Demand for British coal rocketed in the 19th century and reached its peak in 1913 when 292 million tons were produced for home consumption and export (96 million tons) from 3270 operating mines. In 1920, 1.19 million people were working in the mines, 1 in 20 of the country’s workforce. The Mines and Collieries Act of 1842 had forbidden boys under 10 years of age and all females to work underground as so called hurriers and thrusters (although the legislation was for some time not always adhered to). Pit ponies became the alternative for deep mines; at peak in the early 20th century there were some 70,000 registered animals, the last retiring from work in a Northumberland mine coalfield in 1994.

‘UK is not yet done with all its old mineworkings’

But, the UK is not yet done with all its old mineworkings, so the country’s association with coal seems destined to live on. The first forays into developing the potential energy from low enthalpy heat for local district heating, using open loop ground source technology to recover heat from abandoned flooded coal mines, is underway.

Looking back, possibly unbeknownst to many, the first effective application of steam power, a full century before Robert Stevenson’s famous 1830 Rocket passenger locomotive, was patented by Thomas Savery in 1698. Its purpose was to drain water from coal mines. This was followed by more sophisticated systems developed by Thomas Newcomen around 1712 and 50 years later by James Watt.

After experiencing a visit to the pit face, George Orwell in his pre-Second World War Road to Wigan Pier acknowledged the significance of coal to society: ‘Our civilisation, pace Chesterton, is founded on coal, more completely than one realises until one stops to think about it. The machines that keep us alive, and the machines that make machines, are all directly or indirectly dependent upon coal. In the metabolism of the western world the coalminer is second in importance only to the man who ploughs the soil.’

The UK’s dependence on coal was still evident in 1950 when 90% of all energy (including industry, railways, heating, cooking, etc) was still sourced from coal. But so-called King Coal had been in steady decline since the 1920s as competition squeezed exports. This was only to become steeper, not fully appreciated by the post-war Labour government under Clement Atlee. It nationalised the industry in 1946-7 honouring the party’s Clause 4 ideological commitment to public ownership of key industries (amended in the mid-1990s under Labour Party leader Tony Blair).

The 1950 Plan for Coal proved hopelessly optimistic in expecting to increase output from 184 million to 250 million tons by 1970. In 1956, thanks to government investment, 700,000 men produced 207 million tons of coal but by 1971, fewer than 290,000

workers were producing 133 million tons at 292 collieries. The industry was soon in further freefall. The advent of North Sea oil and gas plus the nuclear power station programme took its toll on coal demand. Diesel and electric trains rapidly replaced steam engines in the 1970s. On the domestic front, the 1956 Clean Air Act, inspired by the ‘great smog’ in London in 1952, was instrumental in a switch away from coal-fired central heating.

The legend of Margaret Thatcher maintains that the ‘Iron Lady’ delivered a fatal blow to both the coal industry and organised trade unions when crushing the mineworkers strikes of 1984-85 over pit closures and output reductions. It is said to be her act of vengeance for the early 1970s militant mineworkers’ action that arguably forced Tory Prime Minister Edward Heath out of office. But, regardless of the ruthless action and damage to mining communities, the truth in retrospect is that she probably only accelerated a process well underway. Indeed, governments (Conservative and Labour) had been implementing mining closures for decades. Immediately before the strike, 170 mines employed 148,000 workers and produced 120 million tonnes of coal. By the time the Tories privatised the coal industry a decade later, around 30 mines produced 50 million tonnes and employed 7000 workers, less than 1% of the 1950 post war peak. In 1994, coal only constituted 12% of Britain’s fuel production, with 80% coming from North Sea oil and gas and the other 8% mainly nuclear power.

that this is well short of the government’s ambition for 95% low-carbon electricity by 2030 and a fully decarbonised grid by 2035.

As for Boris Johnson’s misguided aside in Glasgow, he would have been much better served boosting the promise of environmentally friendly district heating from the naturally heated water in flooded coal mines. The city is home to the recently established Glasgow Geoenergy Observatory operated by the British Geological Survey (BGS). Its mission and facilities are well described in a paper by A. Monaghan et al. at the EAGE’s 2023 Near Surface Geoscience in Edinburgh (available in Earthdoc). The mine water geothermal research facilities are intended to provide ‘an at-scale underground laboratory to facilitate collaborative research to improve understanding of subsurface processes, environmental and induced change. It offers scientific infrastructure for investigating the shallow, low-temperature geothermal energy and thermal storage resources available in abandoned and flooded coal mine workings at depths of around 50-90 m. Such resources could provide sufficient heat for community-scale district heating networks and extensive thermal storage.’

‘Britain’s adoption of renewables effectively spelled the end of coal’

Britain’ adoption of renewables in the current century effectively spelled the end of coal, the last deep mine closing in 2015. Ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a pre-COP26 visit to Glasgow in 2021 claimed green credentials for a previous Tory administration. He joked to reporters that ‘Thanks to Margaret Thatcher, who closed so many coal mines across the country, we had a big early start and we’re now moving rapidly away from coal altogether.’ Unsurprisingly the remark invited swift all-party rebuke with critics pointing to the devastation caused in mining communities by abrupt closures in Scotland and the North of England.

Carbon Brief reports that, as of the end of 2023, the 104 terawatt hours (TWh) generated from fossil fuels in 2023 was the lowest level in 66 years. Electricity from fossil fuels fell by two-thirds (199TWh) since peaking in 2008. Within that total, coal dropped by 115TWh (97%) and gas by 80TWh (45%). This is attributed to the rapid expansion of renewable energy (up six-fold since 2008, 113TWh) and by lower electricity demand (down 21% since 2008, 83TWh).

Low-carbon sources made up 56% of the total, of which renewables were 43% and nuclear 13%. The remainder was from imports (7%) and other sources (3%) such as waste incineration. Overall, the electricity generated in the UK in 2023 had the lowest-ever carbon intensity, with an average of 162g of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour (gCO2/kWh), but Carbon Brief notes

An open access Energy Reports paper in 2020 on The theoretical potential for large-scale underground thermal energy storage (UTES) within the UK by J.G. Gluyas et al. concluded: ‘Our calculations indicate that the theoretical potential for largescale underground thermal-energy storage in the UK is substantial, much larger than which might ever be needed and the location of such storage is well matched to the places where people live and work and therefore where the demand for heat occurs.

An EAGE Annual 2023 conference paper from Oldfield et al. on Regional-Scale 3D Geothermal Prospecting to Support Local Authorities in Delivering National Strategies focused on the potential of the old mineworkings of Selby, Yorkshire.

Although research and project development interest is taking off in a number of UK regions, the idea is not new and is being explored in a number of countries. Springhill, Nova Scotia, Canada inaugurated an ongoing system as far back as 1994 and the world’s first mine water power station opened in Heerlen, The Netherlands in 2008.

However, Gateshead Council, NE England, has already got off the mark with the largest mine water heat network in Britain and one of the largest in Europe providing hot water and heat to hundreds of homes and businesses. Three years in development, heat is extracted from mine water from 150 m below Gateshead town centre via three boreholes drilled into old flooded mine workings. The warm water is then then fed into a 6 MW water source heat pump that boosts the temperature of the water before it is distributed over a 5 km-long heating network.

It seems mineworkings in the future may not be such a dirty word.

Views expressed in Crosstalk are solely those of the author, who can be contacted at andrew@andrewmcbarnet.com.

TGS wins series of Ocean Bottom Node projects

TGS has won or completed a series of Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) projects offshore Guyana, in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea as the company focuses more of its investment on the technique.

The company has completed a number of marine OBN surveys offshore Guyana. The final node recovery marked the culmination of three exclusive OBN surveys commissioned by ExxonMobil Guyana. TGS acquired 2400 km2 of OBN data within a span of 410 days, concluding the data acquisition process 20 days ahead of the projected schedule. This achievement not only sets a record for the longest deepwater node survey but also showcases TGS’ cutting-edge ZXPLR node technology utilised throughout the surveys.

Carel Hooijkaas, executive vice-president of acquisition at TGS, said, ‘This project is the longest deepwater node survey successfully acquired for ExxonMobil Guyana. We did this safely and efficiently in one of the most congested fields in the world.’

During field operations, TGS recovered 1.2 metric tonnes of marine debris, removing a large amount of discarded fishing gear, plastics and other harmful debris from the marine environment in Guyana. Meanwhile, TGS has also won a twomonth proprietary OBN survey in the Gulf of Mexico with acquisition due to start in Q1 2024.

Kristian Johansen, CEO at TGS, said: ‘This project highlights the key role OBN data plays in this vital basin. OBN technology provides the essential data needed to visualise and understand the intricate structures within the Gulf of Mexico, enabling our clients to make well-informed, data-driven decisions in their field development strategies.’

The company has also won a threemonth proprietary OBN data acquisition contract in the North Sea for a repeat customer. The project’s acquisition will begin in Q2 2024.

Kristian Johansen, TGS CEO, said: ‘This project, for a major energy customer, further highlights the integral role OBN acquisition has in providing our clients improved seismic data quality and help them make better reservoir development decisions.’

Finally, TGS has completed the imaging phase for the priority area of its NOAKA OBNmulti-client seismic survey in the Norwegian North Sea. It has applied its proprietary OBN processing and imaging technology, including dynamic matching full-waveform inversion (DM/FWI), to this data, creating a 3D volume that will enhance the resolution and structural definition of the complex geology and reservoirs in the region.

Will Ashby, EVP of Eastern Hemisphere at TGS, said: ‘The area between Oseberg and Alvheim in the Norwegian North Sea has recently witnessed significant infrastructure-led exploration. TGS remains committed to further developing the coverage in the NCS region.’

The NOAKA OBN survey was acquired over two seasons in 2021-22 and comprises 434 km2 of multi-client OBN data. Processing has now been completed over a priority area of 198 km2

Processing utilises full azimuth and ultra-long offsets to understand and illuminate the complex subsurface geology in the region. In addition, this enables a detailed velocity model to be built using TGS’ DM-FWI technology. The imaging results have also benefited from the enhanced low frequencies provided by OBN data, allowing clear and accurate depth images to be produced.

Multi-component processing enabled the up and down-going wavefields to be processed and imaged separately. The downgoing wavefields provide detailed near-surface imaging products. Imaging with FWI also shows improved imaging of deep faulting and structures below the Base Cretaceous Unconformity (BCU), which is key to understanding the Jurassic and Triassic prospectivity.

PGS expands survey offshore Angola Trillion reprocesses Black Sea data

Norway approves mining of seabed minerals

The Norwegian parliament has decided to open the Norwegian shelf for exploration and possible extraction of seabed minerals.

After a vote in the Norwegian Parliament, in which the governing coalition received backing from other parties, some 300,000 km2 of waters in the Norwegian Sea will be opened up for licensing stretching as far north as Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean. The first mining would be estimated to start in 2032.

Seabed minerals such as cobalt are essential for the production of products such as smartphones as well as electric car batteries.

The Norwegian Offshore Directorate said: ‘We have mapped vast areas in the northern Norwegian Sea since 2017. We’ve taken samples and collected data about minerals and metals found on the seabed. We’ve done this by means of our own expeditions, and also in cooperation with expert com-

munities at the universities in Tromsø and Bergen. However, the decision has been criticised by environmental groups, especially as it is claimed that some of the mining could take place in Arctic waters.

Environmental groups have expressed concern at the plans, warning of the impact of plumes of sediment that would be created by extracting minerals from bare rock on the ocean bed.

PGS signs deal to provide geoscience data carbon capture projects offshore Australia

PGS has signed a deal to provide seismic interpretation and geophysical advisory services to deepC Store and Azuli to jointly pursue and acquire Greenhouse Gas (‘GHG’) storage acreages in offshore Australia.

In a service-for-equity agreement, the deepC Store and Azuli will issue shares to PGS for its services.

DeepC Store and Azuli have jointly bid for GHG Assessment Permits released by the Australian government. PGS will provide its full suite of seismic interpretation and deep knowledge from geological and geophysical studies to build high-resolution injection site modelling and simulation services.

DeepC Store managing director, Daein Cha said, ‘Australia has potential CO2 storage capacity of 434 billion tonnes (with 73% of the storage residing offshore), which is equivalent to ~870 years

of Australia’s net emissions. Australia is well positioned to offer significant CO2 reduction contributions for its own hardto-abate industrial sectors via CCS, as well as to play a central role in the decarbonisation of the Asia Pacific region.’

Azuli managing director, Hamish Wilson said, ‘This offshore venture will provide a viable CO2 sequestration option for Australian emissions for major industrial companies such as fertiliser, cement and steel making. We also believe that Australia will play an important role in enabling Japan and Korea’s decarbonisation plans imperative in achieving net zero by 2050. This will be enabled through shipping transboundary CO2 imports to a number of Floating Storage & Injection (FSI) facilities in Commonwealth waters.’

PGS EVP New Energy, Berit Osnes, said, ‘Geophysical data and expertise are important tools to secure safe and reliable reservoirs for carbon storage. As a partner, PGS continues to support carbon storage developers around the world by providing quality subsurface data and advisory services.’

Illustration only. Source: deepC Store.

Greenpeace activists protest in front of a deep-sea mining vessel. Photograph: Gustavo Graf Maldonado/Reuters.

Shearwater, PGS and DNV develop standard for emissions reporting

Shearwater, PGS and DNV have launched a project to define Key Performance Indicators for energy and emission reporting for the seismic sector.

The joint industry project aims to establish a standardised reporting framework for the seismic acquisition carried out offshore by vessels based on currently gathered data and operating modes enabled by the DNV reporting tool.

In 2023 the basis for work has been carried out mapping needs and available information and getting ready for data tests. The work is expected to be concluded in Q1 2024.

Mikael Johansson, senior principal consultant of DNV Maritime Advisory, said; ‘To be able to work jointly with the industry to develop relevant metrics to monitor energy and emission efficiency of the work carried out for seismic vessels that can be verified by third parties is very constructive for all stakeholders in the value chain.’

Shearwater and PGS currently own the bulk of vessels being used for seismic acquisition with Shearwater operating 21 towed-streamer and OBN vessels and PGS operating eight vessels carrying out acquisition.

Trillion reprocesses Black Sea data

Trillion Energy International has completed its 3D seismic reprocessing for the SASB gas field in the southwest Black Sea. The company is in the process of interpreting the data and tying the results into the existing drilled wells.

Significant improvements in seismic technology since the initial processing of the 2004 seismic data offer enhanced data imaging for reservoir characterisation,

Source: Trillion Energy vessel.

faults, and reservoir layers, said Trillion. Additionally, the new PSDM seismic volumes and velocity models have uncovered continuous reflectors, much clearer fault cuts, amplitude preservation, improved imaging of subsurface geology and enhanced results of attributes. It has also provided improved inversion, and AVO and higher quality data, revealing thin sand bodies; validation of the presence of hydrocarbons using different AVO attributes – such as intercepts, gradients, fluid factors – and gas indicators; and detection of sweet spots for new gas prospects.

Arthur Halleran CEO of Trillion said: ‘Our reprocessed seismic data has unveiled a promising chapter for the SASB gas field. The revelation of extensive channel sands, particularly in the D and De-E zones, surpasses our earlier understanding of the field.’

Offshore wind had a record year in 2023, says TGS report

TGS – 4C Offshore has declared that 2023 was a record year for offshore wind investment with projects totalling 12.3 GW having closed during the year.

This represents a strong recovery from last year, when only 0.8 GW reached final investment decision (FID). TGS – 4C Offshore’s latest Global Market Overview also states that 2024 could be another record year with up to 13 GW possible.

Final investment decisions were made by eight European projects in 2023, totalling 9.3 GW, with Hornsea closing just in time for Christmas. In Asia-Pacific, 2.3 GW closed across Taiwan and South Korea, and 704 MW in the USA at Revolution Wind.

The US is experiencing record offtake activity, with five auctions in process. Candidates include new and existing projects. Overall, offtake needs to make up ground, according to the report, which states that offtake contracts are down almost 2 GW to 9.5 GW in 2023, primarily driven by a no-show in the UK’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction.

However, of those offtake contracts that were awarded, the price is markedly higher than in previous years – an average of $1.15/MWh in 2023 – reflecting

CGG and C-Questra have signed an agreement to collaborate on carbon capture, utilisation, and sequestration (CCUS).

CGG intends to provide expertise and technological support to C-Questra

recent inflation, supply chain constraints and interest rates on the cost of energy. The authors of the report expect offtake contracts to remain an area of focus over the next two years.

Richard Aukland, director of research at TGS – 4C Offshore, said: ‘Despite ongoing project delays and cancellations, 2023 has still managed to produce record progress in offshore wind. With high activity and a significant year of offtake auctioning expected in 2024 as countries work to hit their 2030 installation targets, a positive scene is being set for the next 12 months, and this will translate into record construction activity later in the decade.’

The offtake auction schedule continues to look healthy, with 47.5 GW slated for 2024 (40 GW in Europe), and it’s a similar story for lease rounds with 33.5 GW of leases under the hammer, including in Australia, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, India, Japan, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Uruguay and the US. The rate of leasing activity has ramped up in the last two years, with 43.8 GW-worth of sites awarded in 2023, one-third of which was for floating wind.

CGG

The report includes market indicators, which examine global additions, permitting, offtake, and timelines since 2010. These are used to identify trends for the year ahead. Latest market indicators show that with 879 GW accounted for by existing projects and national targets, a further 1121 GW would still be needed to meet IRENA/IEA’s estimated net-zero requirement of 2000 GW by 2050.

On floating wind, the UK comes out on top overall, followed by Norway. Other markets scoring highly include South Korea, which currently has the greatest perceived potential, and the US, which has the greatest ambition. However, 4C Offshore’s forecast for floating wind underway by 2030 has been reduced for the 6th quarter in a row to 10 GW of capacity underway.

and C-Questra pursue carbon capture projects

– a European technology company founded in 2023, specialising in the field of CCUS from emission sources to sequestration sites – to accelerate the development of certain carbon storage projects.

Walid Sinno, CEO, C-Questra, said: ‘The purpose of the cooperation agreement is quite simply to go much faster. CGG contributes human and technological resources, while C-Questra implements the projects, particularly

in France, by leveraging the combined expertise and experience of our technical teams that span almost 100 years.’

Sophie Zurquiyah, CEO, CGG, said: ‘Carbon storage is one of the key processes in the energy transition and CGG is continuing to diversify in this area where we bring real know-how and cutting-edge technologies. After concluding several projects and agreements in 2023, CGG is looking to accelerate the deployment of its offerings in 2024.’

CGG is working to cut industrial emissions.

PGS expands survey offshore Angola

PGS has added more than 4200 km2 of 3D data to its regional MegaSurvey dataset over Block 33 in the deepwater Lower Congo Basin offshore Angola.

The additional 4238 km2 of 3D data released by PGS in partnership with ANPG covers open acreage that is available for direct award from ANPG through its Permanent Offer regime. Total coverage of the Angola MegaSurvey dataset now stands at more than 49,500 km2

The data extension covers the majority of Block 33, which is located outboard and south of the prolific blocks 17 and 32. Combined, these currently produce

around 550,000 barrels of oil per day from post-salt Oligo-Miocene plays. Block 33 contains just six well penetrations, which have yielded two Oligo-Miocene oil discoveries, and is highly underexplored in comparison to the neighbouring acreage.

No well in the deepwater Lower Congo Basin has yet penetrated the pre-salt megasequence and few wells have tested the post-salt Cretaceous section. One such test of the Cretaceous post-salt, however, has proven excellent source rocks with high oil potential in the Lower Albian-aged stratigraphy on Block 33. Upper Cretaceous-aged reservoirs are highly productive in the shelfal areas of the Lower Congo Basin and could be meaningful exploration targets in the outboard. Block 33, located on the flank of the main Congo Fan depocentre, is a favourable area for these deeper targets. Here overburden is less, and seismic imaging challenges are fewer due to reduced halokinesis of the Loeme Formation salt.

The Angola MegaSurvey also provides 3D data coverage over neighbouring Permanent Offer blocks 32 and 34, where the same plays can be targeted.

Santos develops CCS offshore Australia with Japanese help

Santos is collaborating with Japanese energy companies on CCS offshore Australia.

The agreement between Santos, JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corporation and ENEOS Corporation paves the way for a joint feasibility study that will evaluate the potential to capture, transport and sequester emissions from Japan, supporting expansion of the Moomba CCS project.

The aggregation and management of carbon at Moomba complements current studies with Tokyo Gas and Osaka Gas for potential low-carbon e-methane production in the Cooper Basin. This would facilitate the export of e-methane,

made by combining green hydrogen with CO2 obtained from industrial emissions or direct air capture in a circular economy.

The MOU seeks to jointly identify and define commercial and investment opportunities covering the potential importation of up to 5 Mtpa of CO2 by 2030, 10 Mtpa by 2035 and 20 Mtpa by 2040 from Japan to the Moomba CCS project, via either Port Bonython in South Australia or Gladstone in Queensland.

This would potentially provide a large-scale source of CO2 to support Phase 2 of the Moomba CCS project and provide feedstock for future e-methane production.

BRIEFS

PXGEO has acquired 100% of the share capital of AmpSeis, a geophysical company that has developed an Ocean Bottom Node. ‘The acquisition secures the company’s access to core technology,’ said PXGEO. The first batch of the nodes will be delivered in Q1 2024. ‘The acquired node technology combined with the MantaRay OBN handling system using Hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (HAUV), takes the efficiency of OBN seismic data acquisition to the next level.’

Autoridade Nacional do Petroleo (ANP) has signed a PSC for TL-SO-22-23 (Block P), offshore Timor Leste, with Eni. The PSC lies adjacent to the Greater Sunrise field. The work programme includes 2D and 3D seismic acquisition and a one well commitment in the first exploration period.

Geoteric and Petronas have announced an agreement for Geoteric AI Horizons technology to help digitise and decarbonise Petronas’ upstream exploration effort using its AI seismic interpretation technology.

SLB is partnering with Geminus AI that will give SLB exclusive access to deploy the first physics-informed artificial intelligence model builder for oil and gas operations. The Geminus model builder fuses physics-based approaches with process data to produce AI models that can be deployed faster and at much less cost than traditional AI approaches, said SLB.

DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform has found that a total of 298 ships with alternative fuel propulsion were ordered in 2023 – an 8% increase year on year. There has also been a sharp increase in methanol orders (138), putting it neck and neck with LNG (130). Additionally, 2023 marked a breakout year for ammonia, with 11 orders for vessels run on this fuel.

Impact Oil and Gas has farmed out 10% of its interests in Blacks 2912 and 2913B offshore Namibia to TotalEnergies, which brings the French energy company’s interests up to 42% in both blocks.

Six European states sign landmark hydrogen deal

A group of Baltic and Nordic natural gas transmission operators have signed a contract to conduct a pre-feasibility study for a European hydrogen transport infrastructure network.

AFRY Management Consulting has been awarded the contract to carry out the pre-feasbility study for the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor between Finland and Germany, passing through the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as Poland.

The contract follows a provisional agreement between the European Council and Parliament on rules to create a regional hydrogen market and decarbonise the European Union gas industry.

Expected to be completed mid-2024, the study ‘will provide a comprehensive, fact-based framework to allow decisions to be made,’ said German project partner Ontras Gastransport.

The other participating companies in the project are Finland’s state-owned

Gasgrid Finland, Estonia’s state-owned Elering, Latvia’s Conexus Baltic Grid, Lithuania’s state-owned Amber Grid and Poland’s state-owned Gaz-System.

Expected to go onstream in 2030 the corridor will be ‘the connection between green energy production regions in Northern Europe with the main consumption centres in Central Europe’, Ontras said.

Amber chief executive Nemunas Biknius said: ‘The pre-feasibility study will provide recommendations on the scope of the project, pipeline routing, capacities, financing, and risk managemen. In addition, potential hydrogen storage sites will be investigated.’

In December EU countries agreed on plans to promote the uptake of renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, into the EU energy market.

Ontras said: ‘With the dynamic changes related to energy transformation and decarbonisation of the economy

Baltic and Nordic gas transporters signed a contract for a pre-feasibility study for an EU hydrogen infrastructure network.

taking place in the Member States of the European Union, it is expected that hydrogen will become one of the main of energy carriers in Europe.

‘Hydrogen will strengthen the EU’s energy security and will play an important role in reducing the dependence of energy-intensive European industries on imported fossil fuels and energy.’

CGG set to report improved full-year revenues of

more than $1 billion

CGG is expected to report Q4 2023 segment revenue of $316 million, down 1% year on year, but full-year segment revenue at around $1.12 billion, up 21%.

Geoscience segment revenue is expected to be around $97 million, up 40% year-on-year.

Earth Data segment sales are expected to be around $100 million, down 31%

year-on-year, mainly due in particular to delayed year-end licensing rounds in Brazil and Gulf of Mexico.

Sensing and Monitoring segment sales are expected to be around $119 million, up 14% year-on-year.

Improved full-year performance is driven in particular by very large deliveries of OBN and land equipment for mega-crew projects. Full-year 2023 segment EBITDA is expected to be around $390-$400 million.

Sophie Zurquiyah, CEO of CGG said: ‘I am pleased to see the positive effects of our strategy, with GEO and SMO performing at near pre-covid levels, our new business initiatives reaching around $90 million in revenue generation, and the company organically delivering around $30 million positive net cash flow in 2023, despite $(65) million of penalty fees from vessel commitments.

‘We expect 2024 performance to improve compared to 2023, while we anticipate the market to moderately grow through 2026, yet unevenly over the quarters, based mainly on mega crew activity and multi-client spending.’

The group’s liquidity at the end of December 2023 is expected to be around $415 million, including around $325 million cash liquidity and $90 million undrawn RCF.

CGG anticipates year-end 2023 net debt before IFRS 16 to be around $875 million, and net debt after IFRS 16 to be around $980 million.

CGG anticipates net cash flow generation to be flat in 2024 but significantly accelerate to $75-100 million during 2025-2026 based on ‘continued operational optimisation’, including the end of its contractual vessel commitments, and the further development of new businesses.

Sophie Zurquiyah, CGG CEO.

India signs contracts for 13 hydrocarbon blocks

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has signed contracts for 13 hydrocarbon blocks opened for bidding in the last two years.

Of the new contracts, 10 came from the 2023 Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Bid Round VIII and three were under the 2022 Special Coalbed Methane (CBM) Bid Round.

In India the OALP allows companies to carve out development areas of their choice based on resource data at the National Data Repository (NDR), which stores exploration and production research results for Indian sedimentary basins. They then submit expressions of interest (EOIs), in a process done any time without waiting for a bidding round.

Under the eighth round of the OALP, 13 companies made offers for the 10 blocks put forward. Four companies emerged successful, committing a total of $233 million for exploration work.

The 10 blocks are ‘spread across nine Sedimentary Basins and included two land blocks, four shallow-water blocks, two deep-water blocks and two ultra-deep water blocks’.

In the Special CBM round, 16 blocks were offered, spread across seven states. Three blocks got bidders. Of the six companies that made submissions, two won awards, for a total area of 717 km2. Pledges for exploration work from the successful bidders totalled $7.4 million.

Simultaneously the petroleum ministry opened applications for the ninth round of the OALP. Twenty-eight blocks covering 136,596 km2 are on offer. Bidders have until February 29 to make submissions.

“It is estimated that after award of blocks under forthcoming OALP-IX and X Bid Rounds, about 560,000 km2 [16% of Indian sedimentary basins] will come under exploration by end of year 2024,’ the PIB news release said.

‘Offshore acreage of more than 1 million km2 has been made available in the recent past for exploration and production operations which were earlier so called ‘No-Go’ areas’, the PIB said. Only 10% of Indian sedimentary basins are under active exploration.

The PIB added: ‘Several initiatives have been taken by the government for making available good quality data of Indian sedimentary basins to investors, such as the National Seismic Programme (NSP) in onshore areas, EEZ [exclusive economic zone] survey in offshore areas, opening of Andaman Basin, and uprade of NDR.

‘Other initiatives planned are the Mission Anveshan Project (Part II of NSP), Continental Shelf Survey, drilling of stratigraphic wells and the Hydrocarbon Resource Reassessment Study.

‘Several IOCs have visited the NDR and purchased a large volume of E&P Data for analysis.’

Lebanon launches third offshore licensing round

Lebanon has launched its Third Offshore Licensing Round with a closing date for bids on July 2, 2024.

Blocks on offer are: Blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the northern half of the country’s maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and Blocks 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 in the southern half. Blocks 8 and 10 are still under

negotiation since the Second Offshore Licensing Round.

‘The set of open blocks was selected based on the priorities and goals of the upstream oil and gas sector and the objectives of the Third Offshore Licensing Round,’ said the Lebanese Petroleum Administration in a statement.

TGS expects fourth quarter revenues of $189 million

TGS expects IFRS revenues for Q4 2023 to be approximately $189 million, compared to $219 million in Q4 2022.

POC revenues are expected to be $205 million, compared to $227 million in Q4 2022.

Proprietary revenues are expected to be $88 million, up from $60 million in Q4 2022.

POC multi-client revenues are estimated at approximately $118 million, down from $167 million in Q4 2022, with early sales of $59 million, up from $31 million in Q4 2022, and late sales of approximately $59 million, compared to $137 million in Q4 2022.

This results in POC revenues of $968 million for the full year of 2023, a growth of 14% compared to pro-forma POC revenues (incl. Magseis) in 2022. POC multi-client revenues are expected to be $549 million, up 8% compared to 2022.

PGS expects to report Q4 2023 income of approx. $265 million, compared to $216.7 million in Q4 2022. The company expects produced revenues for Q4 2023 of approximately $227 million, compared to $250.7 million in Q4 2022.

Contract revenues ended at approximately $84 million in Q4 2023, compared to $111.2 million in Q4 2022. Multi-client late sales revenues were approximately $82 million in Q4 2023, compared to $92 million in Q4 2022.

Estimated produced multi-client pre-funding revenues were approximately $56 million, compared to $42.6 million in Q4 2022. Multi-client pre-funding revenues based on IFRS, where revenues are recognised at the time of delivery of finally processed data, were approximate-

The POC contract backlog is estimated at $545 million compared to $475 million on 30 September 2023 and $451 million on 31 December 2022. Cash balance on 31 December 2023 was approximately $200 million.

Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, said: ‘While we are pleased to deliver an annual revenue growth of 14% in 2023, we are disappointed with late sales in Q4. Delayed licensing rounds, supermajors focusing their exploration spending on drilling and new seismic data acquisition, as well as ongoing M&A processes among some of our key customers, partly explain why we did not see the normal year-end spending in Q4. On a positive note, we saw increased activity from independents, good order inflow and positive momentum in our Acquisition business, which continues to outperform our expectations. Further, the strong development

in the Digital Energy Solutions business continued, with more than a doubling of revenues compared to Q4 2022. I’m increasingly optimistic for 2024, based on positive signals from our customers. Our contract backlog going into 2024 is 21% higher than a year earlier and the pipeline of further business opportunities looks promising.

‘In a market characterised by high volatility in both revenue mix and regional focus, diversification is increasingly important. The PGS transaction, which is expected to close during H1 2024, will ensure that TGS has exposure towards all parts of the energy data market, including streamer, OBN acquisition and products and services for new energy.

Finally, the transaction will add geographical diversification and thereby reduce volatility of the multi-client business,’ added Johansen.

PGS to report increased Q4 revenues of $265 million

ly $94 million in Q4 2023, compared to $8.6 million in Q4 2022.

In October 2023 PGS announced an award in the first part of an arbitration process relating to a transfer fee dispute. The second part of the arbitration process, for which the company recognised $15 million in Q4 2022, was settled in Q4 2023. The result more than fully covered the amount recognised, said the company.

President and CEO Rune Olav Pedersen, said: ‘I am pleased to see Q4 multi-client late sales doubling compared to the average of the three first quarters of 2023. In addition, we recorded significant sales from surveys in the processing phase. The multi-client pre-funding level in Q4 was strong at approximately 150% of the capitalised cash investment, driven by these sales and attractive multi-client programmes in Brazil and Malaysia.

‘We used 25% of available vessel capacity for contract work and experience a flat pricing development, compared to the seasonally stronger summer rates. We commenced a large offshore wind site

characterisation project in early October, which contributed approximately $13 million of the Q4 contract revenues.’

PGS had seven active 3D vessels in Q3 and Q4 2023, while the company had six active 3D vessels in Q4 2022.

Meanwhile, The reflagging of the PGS vessel Ramform Tethys on 5 December 2023 marked the completion of an initiative to bring the entire PGS fleet of owned vessels under the Norwegian flag.

PGS has flagged its vessels to the Bahamas, Singapore, Vanautu and elsewhere, but in September 2022 declared its intention to reflag all active vessels to Norway, citing the global geopolitical situation as a driving factor. The Ramform Titan led the way, with registration in the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS) on 20 September 2022, and other active vessels in the PGS fleet have followed suit.

The reflagging journey commenced with the Ramform Vanguard, registered with NIS in August 2021 before a project in the Black Sea.

Rune Olav Pedersen, CEO, PGS.

UK fossil fuel power generation at lowest since 1957

Power generated from coal, gas and oil in the UK dropped in 2023 to the lowest since 1957 on renewable energy growth and electricity use slowdown, according to an analysis.

However, the rate of increase in low-carbon generation was still below the level needed to meet the government’s goal of getting 95% of power from low-carbon sources by 2030, according to a report from Carbon Brief.

Last year the share of fossil fuels in the country’s power generation decreased 22% compared to 2022. Fossil fuels made up 33% or 104 terawatt hours (tWh) of power produced in the UK in 2023, the country’s lowest for such sources in 66 years, Carbon Brief said.

Natural gas comprised 31%, coal just over 1% and oil just below 1%, Carbon Brief reported using data from the government and Elexon Ltd, which operates the power supply-demand balancing system in the UK.

‘These declines have been caused by the rapid expansion of renewable energy (up six-fold since 2008, some 113TWh) and by lower electricity demand (down 21% since 2008, some 83TWh),’ it wrote.

Low-carbon sources accounted for 56% of power generated in the UK in 2023, of which 43% came from renewables and 13% from nuclear energy, Carbon Brief said.

UK power generation in 2023 had the lowest-ever carbon dioxide (CO2) intensity, or the amount of CO2 released per unit of electricity generated. Emissions of the planet-warming gas from the power sector averaged 162 grams per kilowatt hour.

‘This remains a long way from the government’s ambition for 95% low-carbon electricity by 2030 – just years from now – and a fully decarbonised grid by 2035,’ Carbon Brief said.

The fastest rate of growth in the share of low-carbon generation in the UK’s power mix has been 25% percentage points in seven years, from 23% in 2010 to 48% in 2017. This rate is still below the 39 percentage points increase needed, based on the 2023 share of low-carbon sources, to reach the 95% aim by the end of the decade.

‘The rise of renewables since 2008 has been nearly as steep as the fall for fossil fuels,’ Carbon Brief said. ‘Notably, however, since reaching 134TWh in 2020, renewables have effectively stood still, with output of 135TWh in 2023, matching the record 135TWh set in 2022.

‘This reflects the balance between continued increases in wind and solar capacity, variations in average weather conditions and reduced output in the past two years from bioenergy’.

It noted only one offshore wind generation project was completed 2023. Equinor announced in October that the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, a North Sea project with a planned capacity of 3.6GW, has been partially put onstream. Full capacity of the world’s biggest offshore windfarm is planned to be achieved by 2026 in three phases, 1.2 GW each, through a total of 277 turbines, according to Equinor.

Carbon Brief added that since 2008 ‘coal has nearly disappeared from the UK electricity system, falling from 119TWh in 2008 to 4TWh in 2023 (down 115TWh, 97%)’.

‘Gas, meanwhile, is now down to levels rarely seen since the mid-1990s, falling from 178TWh in 2008 to just 98TWh in 2023 (down 80TWh, 45%)’, Carbo Brief said.

ENERGY TRANSITION BRIEFS

Woodside Energy has agreed with four Japanese companies to study a potential carbon capture and storage value chain between Japan and Australia. Woodside, Sumitomo Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation, Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha will study the capture, storage and transportation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the Setouchi and Shikoku regions of Japan and the injection and storage of the CO2 at Australian storage sites.

Norway has approved the appointment of PGNiG as operator and partner with Horisont Energi in Polaris (CO2 exploration licence EXL003), the only CO2 storage located in the Barents Sea.

Statkraft is investing 6 billion euros in Norwegian hydro and wind power facilities. The investment will include 1 billion euros in onshore wind farms; 2500 GWh or more wind power production (more than double the current production).

Equinor and Linde have agreed to develop the H2M Eemshaven low carbon hydrogen project in The Netherlands by 2028. Equinor will secure access to carbon transport and storage capacity and offer low carbon hydrogen to the market. Linde will build, co-own and operate the hydrogen production and carbon capture and transfer facility. The facility in the Eemshaven industrial area will reform natural gas from the Norwegian continental shelf to low-carbon hydrogen with CO2 capture and storage (CCS). More than 95% of the CO2 will be captured and stored under the seabed offshore Norway.

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has launched a public consultation on a draft development of six wind lease areas offshore New York and New Jersey (the New York Bight). Development of leases, totalling over 488,000 acres, could generate 5.6 to 7 GW.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects solar electric generation to account for 7% of total US electricity generation in 2025, up from 4% in 2023.

Power generated from coal, gas and oil in the UK dropped in 2023 to the lowest since 1957 on renewable energy growth and demand slowdown.

SLB, TGS and PGS expand Malaysia survey

TGS, PGS and SLB, have secured prefunding to expand multi-client seismic data coverage in the Sabah Basin offshore Malaysia.

The seventh phase of this multi-year project off the coast of Sabah encompasses over 5000 km of new 2D seismic data acquisition, over 2600 km of legacy seismic data processing, and 2800 km2 of 2D-cubed processing as part of a multi-year contract originally awarded by Petronas in 2016.

Kristian Johansen, CEO at TGS, said: ‘High-quality 2D seismic data across Sabah will be instrumental in promoting future bid rounds. It also allows E&P

Oil and gas round-up

ConocoPhillips has made a financial investment decision on the Willow project in Alaska. The decision follows the US Department of the Interior March 2023 Record of Decision and recent positive court orders, including this week’s Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denial of plaintiffs’ request for an injunction.

According to the US Bureau of Land Management, the Willow project is projected to deliver $8 billion to $17 billion in new revenue for the federal government, the state of Alaska and Alaska Native communities. When completed, Willow is estimated to produce approximately 600 million barrels across the lifetime of the project. The Willow project underwent five years of rigorous regulatory and environmental review.

TotalEnergies (40%), QatarEnergy (30%) and Petronas (30%) have signed a production sharing contract for Block 64 with Staatsolie, the state-owned oil company of Suriname. Block 64 was awarded to TotalEnergies and its partners in the Bid Round 2022-2023. Block 64 is 6262 km2 block, 250 km from shore.

Petronas has an agreement with PTTEP to develop the PTTEP-operated Blocks SK405B and SK410B off the coast of Sarawak, offshore Malaysia.

Tethys Oil has completed drilling of exploration well Menna-1 in Oman, indicating hydrocarbons in three separate zones. The Menna-1 well was drilled vertically to a total depth of approx. 1600 m. The well logs indicate hydrocarbons in the Al Khlata, Karim and Birba formations. The prospect is one of several identified on the Eastern Flank trend, stretching alongside the border of Block 6’s productive Karim Small Fields. In total, the trend currently has more than a dozen prospects and leads that have not yet matured into prospects. A full prospect and lead inventory is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2024.

Galp (80%, operator) and partners Namcor and Custos (10% each), have drilled and logged the first exploration well (Mopane-1X) in block PEL83, offshore Namibia and confirmed the discovery of a significant column of light oil in reservoir-bearing sands of high quality. Galp will continue to analyse the acquired data and anticipates performing a Drill Stem Test (DST) in the coming weeks to assess the commerciality of this discovery. The drilling operations at Mopane-1X will proceed to explore deeper targets.

BlueNord has made a final investment decision on the Harald East Middle

companies to further assess exploration opportunities in an under-explored proven petroleum system surrounded by prolific hydrocarbon provinces.

‘The 2D multi-client project will provide high-quality seismic data across Sabah.’

The Eagle Explorer vessel mobilised in November 2023, with acquisition completion anticipated in February 2024. Fast-track results are anticipated to be available for evaluation during the 2024 Malaysia Bid Round.

In the summer of 2023, PGS, TGS and SLB secured pre-funding to expand 3D coverage in the nearby Sarawak Basin.

Jurassic well (HEMJ) in the Danish sector of the North Sea, expected to be spudded during the summer of 2024. Harald East is operated by the Danish Underground Consortium (DUC), a JV between TotalEnergies (43,2%), BlueNord (36,8%) and Nordsøfonden (20%) If successful, the well could deliver production by end of 2024. The expected gain from the well is up to 8 mmboe net to BlueNord of which ca 80% is gas. This well is drilled into the Jurassic with good reservoir properties.

Beacon Offshore Energy has taken a final investment decision to develop the Winterfell discovery in the Gulf of Mexico, which is operated by BOE and will be developed as a subsea tieback. The Miocene-aged project is located in Green Canyon blocks 943, 944, 987, and 988 with a water depth of approx. 5200 ft (1585 m). Winterfell was discovered in 2021 with subsequent successful appraisal drilling conducted in 2022. The field will be developed via a subsea tieback to the Heidelberg spar located in Green Canyon Block 860. First oil is expected to occur early in the second quarter 2024 and from three initial wells projected to deliver gross production of approx. 22,000 boepd.

The Eagle Explorer vessel. Source: SeaBird.

DIGITALIZATION / MACHINE LEARNING

Submit an article

Seismic acquisition, monitoring, modelling, imaging interpretation, processing and imaging are being transformed by artificial intelligence and machine learning to produce faster results, render data more accessible and more integrated with other disciplines. Geoscientists are utilising AI and machine learning to do the work that was once done by human minds. As a result they have been liberated to focus more on the bigger picture.

Hadyan Pratama et al present a series of experiments designed to improve fault likelihood predictions of a pre-trained machine learning model on an unseen dataset with real fault interpretations.

Sergey Alyaev et al adapt the latest generation of generative artificial intelligence algorithms and provide the starting point for future multi-scale enhancements.

Marvee Dela Resma et al illustrate a field application of a robust and reliable approach for assessing geomechanical parameters during drilling operation or as a post-mortem analysis.

Erik Ewig et al present the PGS journey in adopting the cloud and digitalisation to ensure the company remains highly competitive.

Neil Hodgson et al compare the job of a geoscientist in 2024 with how it might be in 2050.

Edward Jarvis et al discuss how machine learning and artificial intelligence applications are identifying target images from a larger corpus of documents for further analysis, quantifying porosity and identifying core-scale sedimentary facies, hydrocarbon shows and thin section microfacies.

John McGaughey et al present a data structure for integration and storage of geological models, data, and metadata where dissemination, ease of access, and persistence are required without commercial encumbrance.

First Break Special Topics are covered by a mix of original articles dealing with case studies and the latest technology. Contributions to a Special Topic in First Break can be sent directly to the editorial office (firstbreak@eage.org). Submissions will be considered for publication by the editor.

It is also possible to submit a Technical Article to First Break. Technical Articles are subject to a peer review process and should be submitted via EAGE’s ScholarOne website: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/fb

You can find the First Break author guidelines online at www.firstbreak.org/guidelines.

Special Topic overview

January Land Seismic

February Digitalization / Machine Learning

March Reservoir Monitoring

April Underground Storage and Passive Seismic

May Global Exploration

June Technology and Talent for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future

July Modelling / Interpretation

August Near Surface Geo & Mining

September Reservoir Engineering & Geoscience

October Energy Transition

November Marine Acquisition

December Data Management and Processing

More Special Topics may be added during the course of the year.

Over 75,000 papers and articles covering the main

ﬁelds of study within geoscience,

ﬁelds of study within geoscience, engineering and energy

All event papers from EAGE Events and partner associations held around the world

Works on all devices, IP address authenticated access from your smart phone, tablet, laptop or PC

Full access to leading scientific journals, including EAGE’s fl agship magazine First Break, featuring topquality submitted and commissioned research articles, news, special monthly topics, industry features and company profiles

Connect your institution with cutting edge geoscience, engineering and energy content

Email earthdoc@eage.org to start your FREE trial today!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 2024

12-14 Feb IPTC 2024 www.iptcnet.org

19-21 Feb EGYPES 2024 www.egypes.com

26-28 Feb First EAGE Data Processing Workshop www.eage.org

29 Feb1 Mar GeoTHERM Expo & Congress 2024 www.geotherm-offenburg.de/en

4-6 Mar EAGE Sub-Saharan Africa Energy Forum www.eage.org

25-27 Mar 4th EAGE Digitalization Conference & Exhibition www.eagedigital.org

8-10 Apr EAGE GeoTech 2024 - 3 rd EAGE Geoscience Technologies and Applications Conference (including 4th EAGE Workshop on Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing and 4th EAGE Workshop on Practical Reservoir Monitoring) www.eagegeotech.org

23-25 Apr First EAGE Workshop on Advances in Carbonate Reservoirs: from Prospects to Development www.eage.org

1-2 May Seismic2024 www.spe-aberdeen.org/events/seismic-2024

13-15 May Fourth EAGE/AAPG Hydrocarbon Seals Workshop www.eage.org

13-15 May 6th Asia Pacific Meeting on Near Surface Geoscience and Engineering www.eage.org

13-16 May InterPore 2024 events.interpore.org/event/46/

20-23 May EAGE/SUT Workshop on Integrated Site Characterization for Offshore Renewable Energy www.eage.org

27-31 May 12 th Congress and Technical Exhibition of the Balkan Geophysical Society (BGS) www.ageserbia.org

June 2024

10-13 Jun 85 th EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition www.eageannual.org

25-27 MARCH 2024

4th EAGE Digitalization Conference & Exhibition

Paris, France www.eagedigital.org

TECHNICAL PROGRAMME

Delve into Diverse Oral and Poster Presentations

STRATEGIC PROGRAMME

Enagage with Executive Speakers in Keynotes, Roundtables and Panel Discussions

FOCUSED EXHIBITION Meet the Companies Pioneering Digital Solutions