ExxonMobil Integrates 4D Seismic Tech for Faster Oil Discovery

Core Insights - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) is enhancing its oil and gas exploration capabilities by integrating 4D seismic technology with its high-performance computing system, Discovery 6, which is expected to reduce seismic processing times and improve subsurface imaging [1][2][4] Group 1: Technology Integration - The integration of 4D seismic technology with Discovery 6 supercomputer, developed in collaboration with Hewlett Packard Enterprise and NVIDIA, aims to provide up to four times the computational power compared to its predecessor, Discovery 5 [2][6] - The use of 4D seismic imaging allows ExxonMobil to create high-resolution time-lapse models of underground reservoirs, leading to more accurate predictions of oil and gas movements [3][8] - The elastic full wavefield inversion (eFWI) technology will significantly reduce the seismic data processing time from months to weeks, enhancing subsurface imaging [4][6] Group 2: Financial Implications - ExxonMobil estimates that these technological advancements could unlock over $1 billion in potential value from its first six floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units in Guyana's Stabroek Block [5] - The company is focused on increasing efficiency while maintaining capital discipline, aligning with its broader strategic goals [5][8] Group 3: Future Developments - Discovery 6 is scheduled for installation in the first half of 2025 and will feature energy-efficient direct liquid cooling to optimize performance [6][7] - The investment in Discovery 6 represents a significant leap in computational capabilities, following the recognition of Discovery 5 as the 16th fastest supercomputer globally in 2022 [7]