Artificial Intelligence - Leverage for digital transformation in Vietnam's oil and gas industry

In the digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is opening a new chapter for the oil and gas and energy industry - a sector considered the "backbone" of economic development. The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam), as a key state-owned enterprise, is actively applying AI to production, exploitation and management activities to improve competitiveness in the new context.

A step forward in modernizing operations with AI

According to Petrovietnam 's Report, in 2023, the group deployed a series of new technology applications such as machine learning, RPA (robotic process automation) and internal chatbots at member units. In particular, the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI) has developed the Oilgas AI ecosystem - a digital platform capable of exploiting and processing huge amounts of data from the exploration, drilling, exploitation and mine operation processes.

One of the notable achievements is the AI ​​model that detects faults in basement rocks developed by VPI with an accuracy of up to 80%. This technology helps save a lot of time and costs in the seismic exploration phase - which is an expensive and risky step. AI has also been applied to specialized operations such as well operation mode prediction, production management, gaslift optimization and real-time anomaly detection, contributing to improving safety and operational efficiency.

Applications of AI in the oil and gas sector. Source: Petrovietnam

Not stopping there, Petrovietnam is researching and developing digital twins for domestic oil and gas fields - a strategic step towards a comprehensive smart operating model in the future.

While AI opens up a lot of potential, it also poses many challenges. In the heavy industry sector, up to 45% of AI systems have experienced problems due to model errors or incorrect data. In addition, security risks are also worth considering when AI needs to access critical control systems, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks.

An equally important barrier is the fear of change from the human resources side. The development of AI has increased the fear of being replaced, requiring businesses like Petrovietnam to proactively manage change. The proposed solution is to promote internal communication, implement reskilling, improve digital skills (upskilling) and establish a flexible working environment in which people coordinate effectively with technology.

Accompanying businesses and schools

From a policy perspective, according to Petrovietnam leaders, to promote AI applications, a synchronous support ecosystem is needed: Investing in digital infrastructure; issuing a transparent legal framework on data, security and AI ethics; encouraging public-private partnerships in testing new technologies; and building an interdisciplinary AI workforce from mining engineers, information technology to data analysts.

On the other hand, according to experts, AI is reshaping the way of working and production in the oil and gas and energy industry, helping to increase productivity, optimize costs and open up opportunities for comprehensive innovation. However, for AI to fully exploit its potential, the oil and gas industry needs a comprehensive strategy, from policy to infrastructure and systematic human resource training.

In that journey, the cooperation between enterprises - schools - the State is the key to help Petrovietnam and the Vietnamese oil and gas industry firmly enter a new era: greener, smarter and more sustainable. In recent times, clearly recognizing the role of human resources, Vietnam Petroleum University (PVU) has closely coordinated with VPI to prepare a generation of engineers and experts suitable for the AI ​​era. Through the Advanced Training Center (ATC), PVU has implemented many in-depth training programs on artificial intelligence for businesses in the industry.

The highlight of the event was the online seminar “Artificial Intelligence Trends and Applications in Oil and Gas Enterprises” held in 2024, organized by ATC - PVU in collaboration with AI Works - VPI and Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Joint Stock Company ( BSR ). The event attracted a large number of experts and technical staff to participate in enthusiastically exchanging, demonstrating the spirit of proactively approaching new things and together building a common vision of digital transformation.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/tri-tue-nhan-tao-don-bay-chuyen-doi-so-nganh-dau-khi-viet-nam-post408828.html