We recently had the privilege of learning from Ralf Schulze-Riegert, Uncertainty and Optimisation expert from SLB, on how uncertainty plays a critical role in investment decisions across the energy sector.
From geothermal wells to mature oil fields and hydrogen storage projects, we explored real case studies that revealed how technical uncertainties can directly influence business strategies. In the oil field case for instance, already developed with nearly 2000 wells, the question was whether drilling, say, 100 new wells each year (a decision arrived at in the early- mid stages of field development) still makes economic sense. This is where NPV- based screening becomes essential, helping teams identify which wells are truly worth drilling.
The key message? Technical uncertainty is not only a subsurface challenge but also a corporate issue. Our role is not just to run simulations but to present results that guide sound, data-driven decisions.
