2026 TECHNICAL OIL & GAS (E&P) WORKSHOP: HARNESSING AI AND ADVANCED ANALYTICS FOR SMARTER UPSTREAM OPERATIONS AND SUSTAINABLE VALUE CREATION

Scheduled Dates

Introduction

This workshop develops the ability of upstream leadership, technical and operational teams to assess and apply AI and advanced analytics across E&P activities. It focuses on reservoir management, drilling, production forecasting, asset integrity and environmental performance.

Upstream organisations hold large volumes of subsurface, operational and production data. Participants will examine how these records can support better decisions, provided that data quality, model validation and professional judgement receive adequate attention.

The programme considers applications across onshore, offshore and deepwater assets. It connects technical use cases with operational priorities, implementation requirements and measures of business value, and practical exercises link analytical methods to real operating decisions.

Objectives

• Explain AI, machine learning and advanced analytics concepts in an upstream context
• Select and prioritise use cases across onshore, offshore and deepwater operations
• Assess data quality, preparation and governance requirements for subsurface and operating records
• Evaluate analytical applications in reservoir characterisation, surveillance and drilling optimisation
• Apply validation, uncertainty analysis and technical judgement to model outputs
• Use monitoring, anomaly detection and predictive maintenance to improve production and asset integrity
• Link AI applications to emissions monitoring, resource efficiency and sustainability goals
• Build a business case that compares the costs and operating benefits of AI applications
• Develop a practical AI adoption plan for an upstream asset or function

Training Methodology

This workshop is practical and application-focused. Expert-led sessions introduce each topic, and each module ends with a hands-on exercise based on realistic upstream scenarios, such as defining an operating problem, assessing a reservoir or drilling use case, and selecting performance indicators.

Participants work in groups to prepare a business case and an AI adoption plan, and finish the programme by completing an integrated use case covering data, technical decisions, costs and performance measures.

Group discussion and case examples encourage participants to share experience from their own assets and to challenge assumptions, so that technical judgement stays central to how model outputs are used.

Organisational Impact

• Better use of existing subsurface, operational and production data
• More informed decisions in reservoir management, drilling and production
• Improved production performance and equipment reliability
• Earlier detection of anomalies and better prioritisation of asset integrity interventions
• Stronger data governance and responsible use of model outputs
• More effective monitoring of emissions and resource efficiency
• Clearer, evidence-based investment cases for AI applications
• A structured approach to piloting, implementing and reviewing AI initiatives

Personal Impact

• Gain a clear understanding of how AI and analytics apply to upstream work
• Learn to identify and prioritise high-value use cases in your own area
• Improve your ability to question data quality and validate model results
• Build confidence in developing and presenting a business case
• Strengthen your professional profile in digital upstream operations
• Leave with an adoption plan you can adapt for your own asset or function

Who Should Attend?

• Upstream executives and senior managers
• Asset managers
• Geoscientists
• Reservoir engineers
• Drilling personnel
• Production personnel
• Maintenance and reliability teams
• Digital and data specialists
• Sustainability and environmental specialists

Certificates

Participants who attend and complete the workshop will receive a Certificate of Completion from Macbek Consults Limited, recognising their participation and the skills covered during the programme.

The certificate is issued after the final session and can be used as evidence of continuing professional development in upstream finance, budgeting, cost assurance and performance management.

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