Upstream Ahead Summit 2021

The ambitious target to meet 50% of oil and gas demand indigenously, as part of Vision 2050, necessitates ramping up of production of oil by nearly 4 times and gas by more than 5 times. This huge market potential requires enhanced domestic production. Industries can adopt cost reduction measures in extraction processes and employ cost-effective technologies specific to India to augment production and expand into areas considered as unviable today, besides making the Indian E&P industry competitive, said Shri Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, MoPNG, at the first edition of the one-of-its-kind virtual summit – Upstream Ahead.

Shri Tarun Kapoor also mooted the idea of a clear three-level system of operations in the E&P ecosystem. He suggested that the NOCs could lead to creating space for a level in between operators and service providers that can bridge the gaps in collaboration and operation.

In the backdrop of the Honourable Prime Minister’s clarion call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, seeking progress in the production levels of the upstream sector is crucial to reducing our nation’s import dependence. With large resources unexplored, ongoing onshore and offshore surveys, and data availability for better analysis, the sector is provided with immense possibilities and requires all stakeholders to get on board as a team in this journey towards Vision 2050, he added.

The first edition of the ‘Upstream Ahead – Oil & Gas Exploration & Production – Towards Vision 2050’ summit has commenced under the aegis of MoPNG and DGH, providing a platform for all key stakeholders to come together and drive powerful solution-based dialogues for a smooth way forward. This magnificent virtual summit well accommodating the needs of any offline conclave has been successfully organized by Social Friendly.

According to Shri SCL Das, DG, DGH, the discourses of this well-structured summit aid to deliver in short packages as part of a continuum, embedded in the commonly shared belief about the future. The event is a curtain-raiser engaging all the stakeholders and bringing a ‘Thinking Element into the whole exercise, he added.

Numerous positions and points of view have been outlined, covering the whole spectrum of the Oil & Gas Exploration & Production sector.

As elaborated by Dr. Anand Gupta, ADG (Development), DGH, the upheaval of the E&P sector through improved productivity can be achieved through incentives for early monetization and adequate policy reforms. Shri Pinakadhar Mohapatra, Antelopus Energy, has added value through his insights on the exploration opportunities and key issues to move towards zero idling of reserves.

The need for a targeted approach employing Play-based explorations supported by seismic and non-seismic technologies and digitalization initiatives has been voiced out by Dr. C Laxma Reddy, ADG(Exploration), DGH and echoed by the eminent panelists unequivocally. Deployment of advanced tools like Gravity Gradiometry along with 4D seismic technology and data analytic tools can boost the efforts towards Vision 2050, opined Shri CSV Sandilya, ONGC, and Shri Biswanath Ghosh, Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Ltd.).

Fostering the growth of domestic OFES industry, to make India self-reliant in E&P sector equipment, formulating Procurement Plans are vital to unveil the opportunities lying ahead for indigenous manufacturers and MSEs, harmonizing with the Govt. policies under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, as emphasized by Shri Om Prakash Singh, Director(T&FS), ONGC.

Shri Pankaj Kumar Goswami, Director (Operations), Oil India Limited called for a partnership-driven model for digital transformation to boost profitability for O&G companies and also help reduce emissions. However, transparency, public data sharing, data security, and data residency are key aspects of concern that need to be addressed.

The oil & gas industry is subject to a persistent challenge of improving its environmental footprint. A high-intensity discussion on proactive steps taken by MoEFCC for ease of conducting Oil & Gas E&P Activities has shown a way forward towards Vision 2050, reflecting a committed collective responsibility towards the improvement of the environmental quality of life.

Another such discussion has evaluated the need to intensify exploration, monetize discoveries and maximize recovery by innovation, conducive policy & fiscal regime, and new business models, with 50% of the country’s O&G demand estimated to be met indigenously by 2050.

Dr. Alka Mittal, Director (HR), ONGC has very aptly stated that gender diversity is non-negotiable. A panel of experts led by her strongly believed that the energy sector needs to shift the dial by driving efforts to gender sensitization and improving gender ratio across all levels to create a diverse and inclusive workforce equipped with required knowledge and skills.

An interactive youth session has brought to light the youth’s perception of the future of O&G resonating with that of the Govt. Being the drivers of change, they have the innovation potential, environmental sensitivity, and social connectivity to boost our efforts towards Vision 2050.

The value addition from the veterans-turned-academicians has contributed to bringing a holistic approach in contemplating the way forward. Dr. R K Vij, PDPU has suggested that dynamic development planning based on performance analysis, environmental factors, and exploration strategies is the need of the hour. Going a step ahead, Shri P K Painuly, UPES hinted towards preparing future workforce and aligning the academic courses to include concepts of data-driven digital transformation in the curriculum.

The whole ecosystem of policies for the E&P sector in its maturing stage connected with the determined efforts towards EODB have cumulatively resulted in a revamp of the regime, a hallmark of E&P development. Shri Amarnath, JS(Exploration), MoPNG, in his words expressed that this summit is complimentary for the industry and the government to innovate and move towards a long-term vision of Self-reliant India. Collating perspectives from such a summit of global potential and focusing on short-term actionable outcomes is imperative for the Indian E&P sector to sustain its vibrant role in realizing Vision 2050.