Petroleum & energy
From resources to infrastructure, explore the interconnected systems that bring energy into everyday life.
Explore our perspectiveA connected industry
Discover the disciplines, decisions and infrastructure behind the energy value chain.
The petroleum industry brings together geology, engineering, infrastructure and logistics. Each part of the chain has a distinct role—and each decision depends on understanding the connections between them.
See how the chain connectsResources become useful products through a sequence of connected systems.
Explore the three broad parts of the petroleum value chain and the work that connects them.
Upstream activity begins with understanding the subsurface. Geological studies and exploration help assess whether hydrocarbons may be present; appraisal work informs decisions about development.
Geoscience, surveys and exploration wells help evaluate potential resources.
Planning brings wells, facilities and production systems together.
Operating wells and supporting systems bring hydrocarbons to the surface.
Midstream infrastructure gathers, stores and transports crude oil, natural gas and products between production, processing and markets.
Networks collect output and move it toward processing or storage.
Terminals and tanks help manage product movements and operational continuity.
Pipelines, ships and other transport modes connect parts of the chain.
Downstream activity transforms crude oil and other inputs into useful products, then moves them through storage and distribution to end users.
Separation, conversion and treatment create a range of petroleum products.
Outputs include fuels, lubricants and feedstocks used by other industries.
Blending, storage and transport help connect finished products with users.
Energy assets move through distinct phases. Select a phase to see the kind of work and decisions it can involve.
Examine the resource, technical context, risks and available information to understand potential options.
Subsurface understanding / technical assessment / early riskTranslate the selected concept into plans for wells, facilities, infrastructure, execution and ongoing operation.
Concept selection / engineering / delivery planningRun and monitor systems while managing operating conditions, safety controls and changing requirements.
Monitoring / operating procedures / risk controlsInspect, maintain and review equipment and processes so that the asset remains fit for its intended use.
Inspection / maintenance / change managementPlan for safe closure, including the appropriate treatment of wells, equipment and facilities in line with applicable requirements.
Closure planning / site obligations / stewardshipManaging complex operations means understanding hazards, maintaining equipment and reviewing change throughout the lifecycle.
Identify process and workplace hazards, assess potential consequences and determine appropriate safeguards.
Clear procedures, work permits and isolation practices support the management of hazardous activities.
Inspection, testing and maintenance support the integrity of equipment and protective systems.
Changes to equipment, materials or procedures need review so their safety implications are understood.
Clear terminology helps reveal how the different parts of the industry fit together.
Crude oil is an unrefined hydrocarbon mixture. Petroleum products are made by processing crude oil and other hydrocarbon liquids; examples include fuels and lubricants.
Production, processing and consumption occur at different places and times. Storage and transport provide the connections between them.
It is the ongoing attention to equipment condition through activities such as inspection, testing, maintenance and correction of deficiencies.
Discover the disciplines, systems and questions shaping the petroleum value chain.
