Decarbonizing Through Digitalization
What Is Decarbonization?
In the energy sector, decarbonization refers to the shift towards cleaner technologies that reduce carbon emissions. This can mean one of two things:
- Replacing high-carbon output systems, like O&G, with cleaner energy sources like wind or solar;
- Or, modifying existing systems to reduce and/or capture and store carbon outputs.
The energy transition has been in motion for quite some time and is unavoidable. Seeing as over sixty percent of North American energy production remains carbon-based, the resilience and adaptability of O&G stand to be tested like never before.
To successfully navigate the ongoing energy transition, O&G not only needs to adopt the decarbonization agenda as its own, but to both embrace and drive the necessary changes. The way to navigate this is through digital transformation, otherwise known as digitalization.
What Is Digitalization?
Digitization is the conversion of paper-based information, things like documents and images, into digital form. Digitalization is the meaningful use of that computerized data.
Digitalization synthesizes digitized data inputs into a database of asset or operational information, all of which is remotely accessible through computers or handheld devices.
Digitalization implies the transition from paper-based to paperless processes.
The industry is at a critical point in time. Cost-reduction strategies and a sustainable vision are essential to keeping with the times so as to remain commercially viable as well as keep the workforce safe. Digitalization can help.
Digitalization and Decarbonization
Optimizing operations is the first step towards decarbonization and holds the key to ninety percent of “known technological solutions to decarbonization”. These solutions exist, are readily available for operational use, and are affordable.
Digital solutions minimize instability and reduce downtime. Such operational efficiencies, for example, reduce intermittent flaring and venting upstream, which, in turn, reduces carbon emissions. Furthermore, asset integrity management — for which software solutions can help –minimizes rogue emissions.
It’s wholly beneficial and, frankly, poetic: digitalization leads to increased efficiencies and competitiveness, but it also reduces the use of paper. Paper, we know, is made from trees. Trees, we know, make up forests, which are among the most significant carbon stores.
Going paperless through embracing digitalization will not only save businesses, it also has a direct and positive impact on the carbon budget. Actually, the two — increasing competitiveness and decarbonization — are positively reinforcing.
Check out the whole blog and learn how to be the Lorax in the industry.
This article first appeared on MODS Energy Industry Blog https://blog.mods.solutions/digitalization-and-decarbonization
MODS has been helping the energy sector go paperless for over 10 years in areas such as Work pack. Get in touch with us and discover the best solution and flawless transition to go paperless.
