Transforming Petrochemicals
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
Release Date: 02/12/2025
Beyond the Lens
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
Industrial operations have long depended on the OODA loop—Observe, Orient, Decide, Act—a military-inspired decision framework that works, but at great cost. It requires physical presence, human expertise, and often misses key variables hidden from view. This age-old method is embedded across energy infrastructure—from wells to refineries. The digital age, however, is transforming our ability to observe. With billions of video-capable devices generating colossal amounts of data, and artificial intelligence now capable of interpreting this data in real time, there’s a game-changing...
info_outline
The Future of Offshore Connectivity
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
Offshore oil and gas operations are among the most complex and remote in the world. From harsh weather to limited physical access, these environments demand reliable, high-speed communications to enable modern digital workflows and keep operations running safely and efficiently. As offshore operations become more autonomous and data-driven, the traditional telecom models fall short. Legacy systems struggle to meet rising demands for bandwidth, low latency, and mobility—especially when platforms are unmanned or vessels are constantly on the move. is addressing this head-on by delivering...
info_outline
Corrosion Under Insulation
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
Pipes are the silent workhorses of the process industries—hidden in plain sight yet essential for daily operations. But what happens when these unassuming assets begin to fail? A recent catastrophic water main rupture in Calgary serves as a stark reminder that even the most robust infrastructure is vulnerable, especially when degradation hides under insulation. The challenge of inspecting and maintaining piping is immense. Facilities house millions of miles of pipe, much of it exposed to harsh climates, inaccessible locations, and made from materials with complex corrosion profiles. Layer on...
info_outline
AI That Thinks Like a Scientist
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
AI is transforming oil and gas, but not all AI is created equal. Many companies have wasted millions on failed AI projects, chasing optimization without real breakthroughs. But what if AI could think like a scientist—applying physics and chemistry to accelerate decision-making and innovation? In this episode, , Head of Sales for Energy at , explains how their science-based AI is reshaping everything from production forecasting to molecular design. Unlike traditional generative AI, which relies on pattern recognition, NobleAI operates on scientific principles, enabling faster, more accurate...
info_outline
Ending Insanity In Oil and Gas
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome. In oil and gas, we do the same thing over and over, knowing the outcome will vary—but believing we’re optimizing it. With billions at stake, the industry needs better ways to react in real time. As capital market pressures rise and companies consolidate, optimization is no longer optional—it’s survival. The days of a “sand disposal” mentality in hydraulic fracturing are fading. Operators need data-driven decision-making to improve well performance, cut waste, and reduce risks....
info_outline
The World in a Cube
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
Energy markets are undergoing a profound transformation. With demand shifting, new energy sources emerging, and digital infrastructure consuming more power than ever, the need for accurate, data-driven decision-making has never been greater. Companies must now navigate uncertainty with smarter forecasting tools, leveraging AI and real-time analytics to stay ahead. However, traditional forecasting models often fail to capture the full picture. New energy sources like solar and battery storage are disrupting the grid, while AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand. At the same...
info_outline
Sweat Science
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
Oil and gas workers operate in extreme conditions, such as the Gulf and the Permian Basin, where the intense heat and high humidity create very hazardous conditions. You lose a lot of body moisture just surviving in those settings. Most of us know to take a drink of water when we’re thirsty, but in those places, by the time you’re thirsty, you’re already at risk. Is there a better way to measure dehydration risk before it becomes a safety hazard? In this episode, I sit down with , Chief Revenue Officer of s, to discuss a nifty wearable device that tracks sweat loss,...
info_outline
From Milling to Data
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
The oil and gas industry has long relied on surface data and the expertise of seasoned operators to manage the complexities of downhole operations. However, as wells become deeper, laterals longer, and conditions more extreme, the human expert can struggle to address the expanded downhole complexity. Consistency, efficiency, and precision have become increasingly difficult to achieve. This growing complexity presents significant challenges. Operators must interpret inconsistent surface data while contending with extreme pressures, weights, and temperatures. Without real-time visibility...
info_outline
Pearls of CO2 Wisdom
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
Direct air carbon capture will be required to remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere while we wind down fossil fuel combustion, and a new technology based on graphene and amine coated ceramic pearls or spheres may be the missing link. The direct air capture methods deployed to date struggle with their enormous scale, their energy intensity, and operating costs. They can require hundreds of dollars per ton of CO2 removed, large land footprints, and available geology to sequester the carbon underground. Economically, they can't pay their own way without permanent subsidies. Many entrepreneurs are...
info_outline
Crux of the Matter
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann
Pipelines are often thought of as simple logistics channels, but in reality, they operate more like sprawling processing plants. This complexity has long been underserved by outdated control systems that lack the sophistication of modern software. The challenge is clear: legacy systems are hindering efficiency, sustainability, and even talent retention as younger generations expect better tools in the workplace. How do we overcome this inertia? In this latest episode I catch up with Vicki Knott, Co-Founder and CEO of Crux OCM, whose exciting work is transforming pipeline control rooms...
info_outlineThe petrochemical industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, often hindered by legacy systems, risk-averse cultures, and scattered data. However, as global competition and sustainability pressures mount, companies like Nova Chemicals are turning to digital transformation to drive operational efficiency and sustainability.
Nova Chemicals recognized the untapped potential in its decades of operational data and began its digital journey with a bold vision. By leveraging advanced tools, such as AI-driven predictive maintenance, the company has revolutionized its approach to reliability, maintenance, and operational performance.
NovaChem’s strategy involved carefully piloting digital solutions on redundant equipment to mitigate risks and build confidence, leading to transformative value—four times the initially estimated impact.
In this episode, I speak with Ahmed Musa, Digital Transformation Leader at Nova Chemicals, who shares insights into how the company has structured its digital initiatives through its Digital Factory and corporate priorities. From overcoming challenges with legacy data systems to fostering a culture of innovation through “Nova Nature,” Ahmed reveals the actionable strategies and lessons learned on NovaChem’s digital journey.
What impressed me the most was how digital tools not only reduce costs and emissions but also empower employees, enriching their roles with data-driven insights.
About Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa is an experienced Digital Transformation Leader with a deep background in chemical engineering. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and has extensive practical experience in reliability, maintenance, and turnaround management. Since joining Nova Chemicals in 2014, Ahmed has been highly involved in the company’s digital transformation initiatives, focusing on leveraging AI, data contextualization, and advanced analytics to enhance plant reliability and operational efficiency.
Contacting the Guest
📎 Ahmed Musa’s LinkedIn: Ahmed Musa’s LinkedIn Profile
🌐 Nova Chemicals Website: https://www.novachem.com
Additional Resources You Might Value
🎥 Explore My Digital Studio: https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/
🎓 One-Day Digital Strategy Training: https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185
📝 Blog Series on Digital Oil and Gas: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com
🎙 Podcast Episodes Archive: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/
Connect with Me!
🔗 Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/
🐦 Follow on X (formerly Twitter): @geoffreycann
🌐 Visit the Website: https://geoffreycann.com/resources/
Book Me!
📣 I speak regularly on topics related to digital transformation in the energy sector. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs.
Disclaimer
⚠️ The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.