Leveraging artificial intelligence for water optimisation in upstream oil and gas energy operations.

Castagnoli, John; Amish, Mohamed

Abstract

Water scarcity and climate change are significant challenges for sustainable water management worldwide. Factors such as population growth, industrial development, and unsustainable practices are increasing water demand. The upstream oil and gas energy industry faces water management challenges, including sourcing, treating, transporting, and disposing of water while meeting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements. This study introduces the Water Usage Efficiency Index (WUEI) using artificial intelligence in Python, a novel quantitative framework aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The WUEI assesses water management in upstream energy operations by analysing water intensity, source sustainability, and temporal variability. Data from the Alberta Energy Regulator and oil sands operators are used to evaluate operational efficiency and water recycling rates from 2013 to 2022. WUEI scores range from 0.624 to 2.130, highlighting areas for improvement and guiding water management strategies. This standardised approach supports ESG objectives and promotes industry best practices. The research offers a practical, AI-enhanced method for evaluating water efficiency in the oil and gas sector, contributing to sustainable water management and ESG goals. Collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers is essential for the widespread adoption of the WUEI framework.

Citation

CASTAGNOLI, J. and AMISH, M. 2025. Leveraging artificial intelligence for water optimisation in upstream oil and gas energy operations. Arabian journal of geosciences [online], 18(8), article number 149. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-025-12289-z

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 20, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jul 9, 2025
• Publication Date: Aug 31, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 18, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 18, 2025
• Journal: Arabian journal of geosciences
• Print ISSN: 1866-7511
• Electronic ISSN: 1866-7538
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 8
• Article Number: 149
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-025-12289-z
• Keywords: Artificial intelligence (AI); Water optimisation; Oil and gas industry; Oil sands; Environmental social and governance (ESG); Water usage efficiency index (WUEI)
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2916451