Strong support to SFI DigiWells

Due to covid-19, the opening of the SFI DigiWells has been postponed several times.

– Together we are a strong team – researchers in close interaction with the industry, and fantastic facilities and infrastructure. Together we will be able to do innovation-based research and support faster implementation, Erlend Vefring says, head of DigiWells.

After the confetti opening, there were several video greetings and congratulations.

– In many ways, SFI DigiWells is a kinder egg, Marte Mjøs Persen says, Minister of Petroleum and Energy. - Through increased digitization and optimization you will help to optimize well production, reduce negative environmental impact, and increase value creation opportunities. I applaud this center!

At SFI DigiWells, researchers and industry partners will develop knowledge and digital solutions that will contribute to a competitive Norwegian continental shelf. The research will ensure increased profitability and at the same time reduce carbon emissions.

Knowledge and technology in world-class

Mari Sundli Tveit, CEO of the Research Council of Norway, congratulates DigiWells.

– Good luck with the start-up of what will give us much more world-class knowledge and technology in the coming years.

Digiwells' application received a very good rating from the experts, both for the scientific quality and the assessment of the center's ability to create innovation and value creation in Norwegian business and industry.

– DigiWells will develop knowledge and digital solutions that will contribute to a competitive Norwegian continental shelf, increased profitability, and reduced emissions. Digital competence will be crucial in the years to come. We must build completely new industries on the shoulders of those we have. The knowledge you develop in DigiWells can also be applied for CO2 storage underground and geothermal energy production. We look forward to following you in the years to come, Tveit says.

Kristin Kragseth, CEO of Petoro, believes a large part of the solution is to use new technology - further digitization.

– But digitalization takes time, and changing work processes is demanding. Now it's time to try out technological solutions and subsequently implement them as best practices on our rigs. I applaud your work! Kragseth says.

According to the Hurdal platform, the Norwegian petroleum industry will be developed, not closed down. The Hurdal platform is the government platform for Jonas Gahr Støre's government consisting of the Norwegian Labour Party and the Centre Party.

- The petroleum sector is a highly productive industry that contributes to large revenues, value creation, and jobs in Norway. The Government will facilitate a continued high level of activity on the Norwegian shelf.

Read more on the Hurdal platform (in Norwegian)

The goal of the center is to develop new knowledge, methods, and innovative solutions to improve the well delivery process through the use of digitization, new sensors, high-speed telemetry, automation, and autonomy.

The center will use the national research infrastructures OpenLab Drilling and Ullrigg in Stavanger, for testing and developing ideas on a small scale, before being taken out in the field.