AI makes drilling cheaper, faster in energy sector

Desk Report April 19, 2025Last Updated: April 19, 2025

0 1 minute read

Artificial intelligence is transforming oil and gas drilling, delivering dramatic improvements in cost, efficiency, and operational safety. Companies like BP and Devon Energy are leading the charge by integrating AI into nearly every stage of the drilling process.

At the heart of this transformation is AI’s ability to analyze real-time sensor data from drill heads, geophysical scanners, and pressure gauges. Algorithms process this data to adjust drilling parameters on the fly, helping engineers avoid hazards, reduce downtime, and extract resources more efficiently.

Traditional drilling operations relied heavily on manual interpretation of subsurface data—a time-consuming and often error-prone process. Today, AI models trained on historical drilling patterns and geological data can predict the optimal drilling path, anticipate mechanical failures, and prevent costly interruptions.

For example, BP’s use of machine learning in its Gulf of Mexico deepwater projects has reduced drilling time by 20% and cut operational costs by millions of dollars. Similarly, Devon Energy’s AI-enabled rigs can steer drill bits with unprecedented precision, accessing complex shale reservoirs previously considered unreachable.

These advances are also having ripple effects across the textile value chain. Lower production costs for oil-based feedstocks such as polyester, nylon, and spandex may help stabilize raw material prices in global apparel manufacturing.

Moreover, AI’s success in energy extraction underscores its broader potential in predictive maintenance, smart logistics, and process optimization—critical functions in both textile production and supply chain operations.

While critics point to environmental concerns, proponents argue that AI allows producers to do “more with less,” using fewer resources and reducing unplanned emissions. As energy and textiles both seek to decarbonize, cross-sector learnings in AI application will be key to achieving more sustainable outcomes.