AI, twins and tough choices: Navigating oil and gas in 2026
In 2026, what will define success in the oil and gas industry? In this podcast, industry experts Jorge Herrera and Aneel Bhandari examine the need to master cost control, risk visibility and operational discipline in a year that will squeeze margins and push asset productivity to the foreground. On the technology side, AI and digital twins are moving beyond back-office support to drive real-time decisions, predict failures and improve processes. They also look at how methane abatement and carbon capture are being integrated into day-to-day operations, bringing them closer to the oil and gas business model.
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21:50
Empowered to lead: The future is human
Denise Hamilton joins Rachel McGhie, conference director, WGLC to follow up from her electric keynote at WGLC 2025 in October. In this podcast they discuss why connection, communication and community are the skills leaders need most right now.
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26:29
Why the oil & gas industry needs a physical twin of its assets—and how to build one
Next year could be pivotal for the oil & gas industry, as long-standing challenges in maintenance and asset management come back into focus. Many operators still face fragmented systems, limited visibility across engineering, safety and maintenance and difficulty linking day-to-day activities with business goals. In this episode, Gemma Fornes and Dennis Filthaus from Hexagon explain how building a physical digital twin provides the reliable data backbone needed for risk-based maintenance, regulatory compliance, and ESG reporting—and how it connects with performance, integrity and maintenance twins to give asset teams consistent, trusted information across the enterprise
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16:11
Transforming oil and gas operations using AI: A discussion with the CEO of AIQ, Dennis Joel
Dennis Joel, CEO, AIQ, discusses the transformative role of AI in the energy sector, particularly in optimizing operations and enhancing sustainability. He highlights AIQ's collaboration with ADNOC and other global partners to develop innovative solutions that redefine industry roles and improve efficiency. The discussion also touches on the future of AI in oil and gas, emphasizing the potential for AI to change the narrative around the industry and contribute positively to society.
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Empowered to lead: Women making waves in subsea & offshore energy
In this episode of the WGLC Podcast Series: Empowered to Lead, host Rachel McGhie speaks with Melissa Gould of the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT-US) about the vital role women are playing in subsea technology, offshore energy, and the blue economy. Melissa shares how SUT’s Women in Industry initiative is building inclusiveness, encouraging participation, and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. From mentorship and networking to breaking barriers and embracing curiosity, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, equity, and the future of energy.
Petroleum Economist is designed for industry professionals, our show stands out as the leading strategic audio platform that brings the dynamic world of hydrocarbons to your ears. Our episodes feature insightful discussions, exclusive interviews with subject matter experts, and in-depth analysis of the latest trends and developments shaping the global energy landscape.
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