CALGARY – Amidst the heavy machinery and traditional methods of operation, Imperial Oil’s expansive oilsands facilities in northeastern Alberta are becoming increasingly integrated with cutting-edge technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). This shift towards digital transformation has been a key focus for the company since 2018, as highlighted by Cheryl Gomez-Smith, the senior executive overseeing production. Speaking at a recent investor conference, Gomez-Smith noted that digital initiatives have already added $700 million to the company’s bottom line, with expectations to increase this figure to $1.2 billion by 2027.
The integration of technology at Imperial is marked by the deployment of self-driving haul trucks and the employment of Spot, a robotic canine developed by Boston Dynamics, for routine inspections. According to Gomez-Smith, Spot can manage up to 70% of operator rounds, allowing human resources to be redirected towards tasks requiring more intricate skill sets. With plans to expand this fleet, the company aims to enhance operational efficiency further at its Cold Lake site, where innovations like remote piloted drones and AI-enabled sensors are already being leveraged. These developments are not only streamlining maintenance but also optimising pumpjack operations to boost production efficiency.
AI is increasingly being embraced across the oil and gas sector, with experts like Shannon Wilson, the head of IBM Canada’s energy division, emphasising its potential to revolutionise productivity. Wilson explained that while the oil and gas industry has long utilised automation, the current integration of AI is taking this capability to a deeper level. By rapidly processing extensive datasets, AI aids in monitoring operations and improving maintenance planning, ultimately reducing downtime and enhancing overall productivity.
Larger corporations like Imperial have the resources to invest in proprietary technological advancements, while smaller entities benefit from commercial AI solutions provided by existing service partners. This flexibility opens up avenues for innovation across the sector, driving a wave of creativity in adopting embedded solutions that enhance operational capabilities.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. has also reported integrating a suite of AI tools to monitor greenhouse gas emissions effectively. This not only aids in identifying production anomalies that could lead to emissions but also aligns with the industry’s growing focus on environmental sustainability. Suncor Energy Inc. has similarly started deploying AI in its operations, utilising it for tasks such as truck dispatch at its Mildred Lake mine.
However, while the benefits of AI are compelling, there is a darker side to this technological revolution. The latest IBM X-Force Threat Index indicates that the energy sector was responsible for 10% of all cyberattack responses in 2024, underlining the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Tyler Williams, EY Canada’s cybersecurity leader for industrials and energy, noted that the evolving threat landscape necessitates heightened vigilance, as cyberattacks have become more sophisticated and can now be executed autonomously using AI.
In this increasingly precarious environment, companies are urged to match or exceed the technological capabilities of cyber adversaries. Williams emphasised the significance of investment in cybersecurity frameworks to protect energy infrastructure, a sector highlighted as a prime target for malicious actors. As companies navigate this dual challenge of technological advancement and cyber threats, the call for strategic frameworks and controls becomes ever more pressing.
Industry stakeholders are beginning to recognise their autonomy in developing security measures, as external guidance from standards bodies remains insufficient. The interplay between AI’s empowering applications and its potential threats underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to not only embrace technological advancements but also fortify against the risks they bring.
As the sector accelerates into this new frontier of technological capabilities, balancing innovation with security will be paramount. This evolving landscape offers a glimpse into the future of energy production—where the efficiencies brought about by AI and automation are crucial not just for business growth, but also for ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure against emerging threats.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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