Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

Despite covering over 70% of our planet, the oceans and seas remain largely unmapped and poorly understood. Collecting useable data about the oceans is hard and expensive--reliant on specialized costly vessels, old-school technologies, and plenty of labour.

The comparison to land mapping technologies (like Google Earth) is stark--we have near-total visibility of land-based infrastructure, continuously updated, and collected by satellite. Subsea infrastructure, like pipelines and cables, are managed with minimal, outdated, and isolated datasets.

This gap in oceanic intelligence is an increasing problem.  We're constantly adding new subsea infrastructure—cables, pipelines, risers, platforms—to support oil and gas, power, telecoms, mining, and military operations. At the same time, owners and operators are sailing blind, relying on static years-old surveys.

And sea floors are pretty dynamic, subject to tides, currents, and human activity. You can really appreciate the mounting financial and operational risks—from infrastructure damage to safety concerns to project delays.

Enter Terradepth, a data-as-a-service company that is bringing Silicon Valley smarts to subsea intelligence. In this episode, I speak with COO Kris Rydberg on how they're using autonomous vehicles and cloud infrastructure to drastically cut the cost of ocean data acquisition. The best part is how ocean data is now subscription-based, with high reusability across industries. This model reduces capital risk, improves predictive decision-making, and promotes multi-sector collaboration. 

Kris Rydberg -- Chief Operating Officer, Terradepth

Kris Rydberg is a seasoned executive with three decades of leadership in tech-driven operational strategy. He's helped scale startups, transform Fortune 500 divisions, and consult on industrial IoT, edge computing, and platform technologies. Kris brings a rare blend of deep tech fluency and cross-sector business acumen. He holds two U.S. patents and an MBA from Syracuse University.

🔗 Connect with Kris on LinkedIn

🔗 Connect with Terradepth on LinkedIn
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The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

Natural gas producers have long struggled to differentiate their product in a market that treats gas as a commodity. When it comes to carbon intensity (CI), the industry is reliant on emission factors and self-reported data, and lacks a credible, data-driven approach to proving their gas carries a lower CI. 

With new regulations like the Inflation Reduction Act's Waste Emission Charge and Europe's carbon border tax, the opportunity to produce verifiable low-emission gas has grown dramatically. Enter "empirical gas"—natural gas measured in real time with actual data instead of estimates.

In this episode, I catch up with my buddy Mark Smith, CEO of Clean Connect, about how his company integrates AI, camera-based monitoring, and process simulation software to create real-time, third-party verifiable emissions data. This transformation not only reduces tax burdens but unlocks access to premium markets willing to pay for low-carbon gas. The implications are massive for producers, traders, and tech firms alike.

Mark Smith is the CEO of Clean Connect, a technology company based in Colorado. Clean Connect offers AI-powered camera systems, control room software, and blockchain-based trading platforms that enable real-time emissions monitoring, measurement, reporting, and verification. Their technology underpins the emerging market of empirical gas, empowering producers to offer provably low-emission natural gas certified by international standards like ISO 14067 and ISCC+.

Connect with Mark Smith:

🔗 Clean Connect Website

🔗 LinkedIn - Mark Smith

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I speak regularly on these and other topics. Book a brief call about your event.

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

The oil and gas industry has traditionally relied on  financial instruments like futures and private equity—frameworks that have largely benefitted institutional investors while leaving little room for broader participation.

But as digital assets continue to reshape capital markets, tokenization presents a new way forward. With blockchain technology and regulatory frameworks maturing, real-world asset-backed tokens are gaining traction - even in sectors once considered too complex for digital finance. 

In this episode, I speak with Dave Rademacher, Co-Founder of OilXCoin a security token backed by oil and gas reserves which also provides investors exposure to their "upstream" value chains. Dave explains how OilXCoin is bridging traditional oil and gas with digital asset markets by creating a compliant, growth-focused investment vehicle that opens the sector to new types of investors.

We discuss what sets OilXCoin apart from pure commodity-backed tokens, how it integrates production-based revenues, and why upstream oil and gas is ripe for tokenization.

Dave Rademacher is the Co-Founder of OilXCoin, where he leads strategic growth and market expansion efforts. With a global leadership background at BMW Group across EMEA and APAC, Dave brings a strong track record in scaling businesses and navigating complex markets. At OilXCoin, he's focused on bridging the gap between traditional oil and gas and digital finance by offering compliant, asset-backed investment opportunities through tokenization. His aim is to make the oil and gas industry accessible to both seasoned crypto investors and traditional market participants.

🌐 Website: OilXCoin

🔗 LinkedIn: Dave Rademacher

📄 Explore Geoffrey's Substack articles

🎧 Listen to more episodes of Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas

📢 Visit GeoffreyCann.com for insights on digital transformation in oil and gas

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The views expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and host and do not constitute financial or professional advice.

Twenty years ago, Big Oil companies like Shell and Exxon were the stars of the capital markets. Huge revenues, stellar profits, high share prices, robust price/earning ratios and reliable dividends placed these companies among the world's best, magnets for top engineering talent and voices of influence in the halls of governments globally.

But no more. They lost the market leadership crown to the digital giants, including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. Oil and gas concerns are still market leaders as measured by revenue, but not by other measures of value. The gap now is so vast it's hard to imagine how they might ever regain their market positioning.

And now the digital companies are stretching into energy for their data centers, but not yet clean liquid energy, which creates the opportunity.

In this podcast I set out several steps the industry can take to recapture its former glory. 

⚒️ Additional Tools & Resources

💡 Go backstage and check out my studio:

🔗  https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/

📚 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas:

🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185

🤝 Connect with Me

✍️ Blog: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/

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🎤Contact for Lectures and Keynotes

I speak regularly on these and other topics. Book a brief call to discuss your upcoming event needs.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

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 opportunity at hand.

This episode explores the staggering scale and value of video data, and how AI's emerging ability to interpret video feeds on the fly can augment, and in some cases replace, the human eye in the OODA loop. I outline some of the implications for quality inspections, site assembly checks, and future-proofing industrial operations.

Additional Tools & Resources

💡 Go backstage and check out my studio:

🔗  https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/

📚 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas:

🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185

Connect with Me

✍️ Blog: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/

🎙️ Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/

🐦 X: https://x.com/geoffreycann

Contact for Lectures and Keynotes

🎤 I speak regularly on these and other topics. Book a brief call to discuss your upcoming event needs.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

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Want the actual script that this podcast is based on? Download it here

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.

Tampnet is addressing this head-on by delivering a mixed-mode communication strategy that combines subsea fiber, private 5G, and satellite (LEO) into one seamless network. Their infrastructure enables everything from robotic inspections and mobile edge compute to AI-driven automation—critical for modernizing offshore energy.

In this episode, I speak with Frode Støldal, Chief Digital Officer and President of the Americas at Tampnet. We explore how a hybrid telecom model is revolutionizing offshore connectivity, driving operational efficiencies, and accelerating digital transformation. From supporting 450+ global platforms to enabling real-time decision-making at the edge, Frode shares a glimpse of the offshore future—one powered by high-speed, intelligent infrastructure.

Frode Støldal is President Americas and Chief Digital Officer at Tampnet, the world's largest offshore communications network provider. He brings 18+ years of telecom leadership from Telenor and now leads Tampnet's digital strategy and operations across the Americas. Frode holds an MSc from the Norwegian School of Economics and a Master in Technology Management from MIT/NTNU.

🔗 Tampnet Website

📧 [email protected]

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I speak regularly on digital transformation, AI, and innovation in energy. Let's talk about your next event.

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

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 insulation, coatings, and the logistics of maintaining uptime, and it's clear that conventional inspection methods are no longer sufficient.

This episode explores the wide range of failure modes—flaws, fractures, erosion, rust, and more—that threaten pipe integrity. The implications are serious: lost product, compromised safety, and even plant collapse. Fortunately, new technologies—robotics, advanced sensing, and improved diagnostics—are emerging to meet the challenge head-on.

Tune in to hear why the process industry must rethink its approach to managing the hidden menace of corrosion under insulation, and how digital innovation offers a path forward.

Additional Tools & Resources

💡 Go backstage and check out my studio:

🔗  https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/

📚 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas:

🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185

Connect with Me

✍️ Blog: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/

🎙️ Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/

🐦 X: https://x.com/geoffreycann

Contact for Lectures and Keynotes

🎤 I speak regularly on these and other topics. Book a brief call to discuss your upcoming event needs.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

Read the Article

Want the actual script that this podcast is based on? Download it here

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, TC Zoboroski, Head of Sales for Energy at NobleAI, 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 results for R&D, product development, and enhanced oil recovery.

TC shares fascinating use cases where AI has cut R&D timelines from decades to months, optimized drilling decisions, and even created new chemical formulations in real-time. We also discuss why AI skepticism is still strong in oil and gas, how to overcome it, and why AI should be seen as a force multiplier, not a job threat.

About the Guest

TC Zoboroski is the Head of Sales for Energy at NobleAI, a company specializing in science-based artificial intelligence for industries like oil & gas, materials science, and biotech. With a background in technology and experience at Halliburton, Dell, AWS, and Exxon, TC brings deep insight into how AI can bridge the gap between traditional energy challenges and cutting-edge digital solutions.

Connect with TC and NobleAI:

🔹 Company Website: NobleAI

🔹 LinkedIn: TC Zoboroski

Additional Tools & Resources:

🚀 Go backstage and check out my studio: My Studio

📖 Read my blog on AI in oil and gas: Digital Oil and Gas

🎙 More podcast episodes: Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas

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💼 LinkedIn: Geoffrey Cann

🐦 Twitter/X: @GeoffreyCann

Contact for Lectures & Keynotes:

I speak regularly on digital innovation, AI, and energy transformation. If you'd like me to speak at your next event, book a call here.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are for informational and discussion purposes only. They do not constitute professional advice.

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. Enter ShearFRAC, a company pioneering real-time pressure diagnostics to transform completions.

Andrew McMurray, CEO and co-founder of ShearFRAC, is at the forefront of this change. With a background in mechanical engineering and years in the service sector, he has built a company that challenges industry inertia. ShearFRAC solutions provide immediate insights to operators, allowing them to adapt on the fly—tightening performance curves, cutting costs, and increasing efficiency.

Additional Tools & Resources

🌐 ShearFRAC

📧 Contact Andrew 👉 [email protected]

💡 Go backstage and check out my studio:

🔗 https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/

📚 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas:

🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185

Connect with Me

✍️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/

🎙 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/

🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/geoffreycann

Contact for Lectures and Keynotes

🎤 I speak regularly on digital innovation topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs.

🔗 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

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 time, tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are moving beyond buying power to direct energy investments, influencing market dynamics in unexpected ways. So how do we make sense of this fast-changing landscape?

Joining me today is Jarand Rystad, CEO of Rystad Energy, one of the world's leading energy research firms. With a background in physics, statistics, and AI-powered analytics, Jarand has spent two decades refining energy forecasting models that are used by executives and policymakers worldwide. In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming energy analysis, the long-term outlook for global power demand, and what the rise of tech-driven energy investments means for traditional players.

About the Guest

Jarand Rystad is the founder and CEO of Rystad Energy, one of the world's leading energy research firms. A physicist by training, Jarand spent years at McKinsey & Co. before launching Rystad Energy, building it into a global powerhouse of energy analytics.

Additional Tools & Resources

💡 Explore Rystad Energy: rystadenergy.com

📊 Check out their latest reports: Rystad Energy Insights

Connect with Me

🔗 LinkedIn: Geoffrey Cann

📩 Blog: Digital Oil and Gas

🎙 Podcast Archive: Listen to Past Episodes

Contact for Lectures and Keynotes

I regularly speak on digital transformation, AI, and energy trends. Book a call to discuss your event needs: Contact Me

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.