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Global shale oil and gas production is set to increase, with Saudi Arabia and Algeria among those countries in the region looking to exploit their shale gas reserves

According to a recent report from leading data and analytics company titled Global Data titled  “Emerging Oil and Gas Shale Plays", notable increases in production are expected over the next few years, including the USA, the current leading producer. These are driven by technological advancements and significant discoveries in countries such as China, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report titled “Emerging Oil and Gas Shale Plays”, reveals that the US was the undisputed leader in global shale oil and gas production with over 80% share in 2024, thanks to its vast reserves, advanced extraction technologies, and supportive regulatory environment.

Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, commented, “The combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling has unlocked unprecedented volumes of shale resources, particularly in formations like the Permian Basin, the Eagle Ford, and the Marcellus Shale. The growth of the shale industry has bolstered the US energy independence, reducing reliance on foreign oil and altering the country's geopolitical strategy.”

Canada holds the second-largest recoverable reserves of shale oil and gas after the USA. It is also ranked second in production due to the technological similarities with its neighbour and government encouragement for unconventional hydrocarbon development.

Argentina is another emerging hotspot for shale oil and gas, particularly the Vaca Muerta formation, which is characterised by strategic asset management by YPF, significant infrastructure investment, and robust growth in production and exports.

Recently, China has made significant progress in shale oil exploration, which could enhance its energy security and reduce dependency on foreign oil supplies, while Saudi Arabia is exploring gas shales within its northern and eastern regions, targeting a 60% rise in its gas output from 2021 to 2030. The focus of development is its giant Jafurah unconventional gas field, the largest liquid-rich shale play in the MIddle East, estimated to hold more than 200 trillion cubic feet of raw gas, which is set to commence production this year.

Algeria, which has significant proven shale gas reserves, is reported to be negotiating with the USA’s ExxonMobil and Chevron, global leaders in shale production, on an agreement that would allow them to explore and develop Algeria's natural gas reserves, including its shale gas reserves. Algeria is seeking to revive its flagging oil and gas sector, on which its economy is heavily dependent, and boost gas exports, with an eye on Europe as it seeks alternative suppliers to Russian pipeline gas.

Puranik said, “The future of shale oil and gas will be shaped by a delicate balance between technological innovation, cost efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Countries that can align production growth with carbon management and energy transition goals will not only secure domestic energy resilience but also strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-driven global market.”

Drilling tools provider, Neo Oiltools, has appointed Omar ElSherif as the regional manager for Middle East

Previously, ElSherif has been associated with SLB's senior leadership for more than 13 years, donning the roles of drilling product engineer, technical sales engineer and senior drilling product engineer. His blend of engineering knowledge, product management experience, and local insight positions him ideally to support Neo Oiltools’ expansion and help boost drilling performance for operators across the Middle East.

ElSherif said, “I am pleased to join Neo Oiltools. I look forward to collaborating with operators across the region to improve drilling performance in these demanding environments.”

Middle East's complex geology is characterised by deep carbonates, extended-reach wells, and high-pressure formations that generate axial, lateral, torsional, and high-frequency vibrations. This pushes up reparing and other costs for operators from the region as slow penetration leads to damaged equipment.

Neo Oiltools addresses these challenges with NeoTork, a patented cable-and-spring tool that mitigates all four vibration types while maintaining optimal bit engagement—improving efficiency and minimising downtime. Integrated with NeoSmart, which captures high-frequency, 3D vibration data, it delivers actionable diagnostics that drive smarter drilling decisions.

The Middle East and Asia are driving global refining growth, according to new research from Rystad Energy

Middle Eastern refiners have expanded their refining capacity in the last 20 years from nearly 8mn bpd to around 13mn bpd, with major additions concentrated in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as the region focuses on adding value through downstream integration. This includes the development of complex, large-scale refineries designed not only to serve growing domestic demand but also to supply refined products to key export markets across the globe. Saudi Aramco for example has invested heavily in expanding its refining footprint, developing advanced complexes such as Jazan and forming joint ventures including YASREF and SATORP.

China has nearly doubled its refining capacity over the past two decades, from 10.6mn bpd in 2005 to 18.8mn bpd in 2025, to meet rising domestic demand and improve energy security, while also positioning the country as a key exporter of refined products. India’s refining capacity has grown from 2.9 million bpd in 2005 to around 5.2mn bpd this year, for similar reasons, including strong domestic consumption and strategic investments in refining infrastructure.

“The Middle East and Asia are driving global refining growth by focusing on large, integrated mega-refineries that secure energy supplies and meet rapidly rising demand. In contrast, Europe and the US are retreating, with older, less efficient plants closing due to high costs and uncertainty over future fuel needs. This shift has sparked a wave of rationalisation, where smaller, less flexible refineries are being shut down while bigger, more adaptable facilities gain ground through economies of scale. Today, nearly all new projects are larger and more economically viable, so even though the total number of refineries worldwide has declined, overall refining capacity continues to grow significantly,” said Arne Skjaeveland, vice president, Oil & Gas Research, Rystad Energy.

Rystad Energy’s research shows that in the last two decades, global primary refining capacity has increased by about 13.5 million barrels per day (bpd), or roughly 15%, while the number of refineries has been in decline since 2011 driven by ageing infrastructure, shrinking profit margins and weakening fuel demand as electrification advances.

As for emissions, emissions intensity across the sector has held relatively steady overall. Asia, followed by the Middle East, has seen total refinery emissions surge, driven by rapid growth in capacity and throughput. The newer, highly complex refineries in Asia and the Middle East tend to consume more energy but often achieve greater carbon efficiency per barrel thanks to modern technologies and tighter integration. Meanwhle, emissions in North America and Europe have remained flat or declined, largely as a result of retrofits and refinery closures rather than gains in carbon efficiency.

As the Middle East heightens its focus on onshore energy exploration, the demand for efficient, scalable, and high-resolution seismic data acquisition has never been greater

Conventional land seismic methods, while well-established, often face constraints around flexibility, operational efficiency, and data quality, especially in areas with complex geology and infrastructure limitations.

To meet these modern demands, STRYDE is pioneering a shift toward a modular, containerised approach to nodal seismic acquisition. The STRYDE Pro System is engineered to handle ultra-large-scale surveys, with capacity for handling up to one million nodes, while offering agility across varied environments. Built around the principle of operational efficiency at scale, it marks a significant departure from the limitations associated with bulkier nodal seismic systems.

A modular approach to seismic acquisition

STRYDE’s Pro System™ offers full ecosystem integration, from bulk node charging and download, to data QC and final data delivery. At its core lies a design that is centred around bulk handling of nodes, allowing trays of 90 nodes to be charged and downloaded simultaneously, reducing man-hours, streamlining camp operations, and cutting both capital and operational expenditure. Compact, high-capacity racks enable seamless scale-up without logistical bottlenecks.

Wireless inductive charging and optical data download eliminates the need for exposed connectors, enhancing the durability and performance of STRYDE nodes in harsh field conditions. The use of short-range, interference-free, optical data transmission ensures trays of STRYDE nodes can be connected to download racks very quickly for highly reliable data download regardless of the channel count.

STRYDE's proprietary in-field Node Test System - an in-field shaker table - enables gold-standard validation of receiver health and integrity.

A step change in field operations

STRYDE’s field philosophy is grounded in ergonomic, low-impact deployment. Lightweight nodes and deployment accessories allow teams to operate efficiently on foot, even in infrastructure-dense, environmentally sensitive, or remote terrain, while purpose-designed deployment backpacks facilitate hands-free navigation to pre-plotted positions and enable easy node transport.
The result: streamlined operations that require fewer personnel and vehicles - translating into cost savings, faster execution, and reduced health, safety, and environmental exposure. This operational agility makes it easier to navigate regulatory requirements and maintain social license to operate - a critical success factor in today’s exploration landscape.

Transforming seismic camps through automation

Seismic base camps have long been labour-intensive environments. STRYDE has reformed this with a semi-automated, production-line workflow delivered through three fully integrated, plug-and-play, containerised units - a Mobile Node Cleaning Unit (MNCU), Mobile Node Download Unit (MNDU) and Mobile Node Recording Unit (MNRU). All operations are executed tray-by-tray, mitigating the risks and inefficiencies of node-level interaction.

STRYDE in Oman

The operational advantages of STRYDE’s Pro System™ were put to the test during a landmark project with CCED in Oman, the world’s largest 3D nodal seismic survey, spanning over 29,000 sq km and using approximately 165,000 channels.

“This nodal technology provides multiple benefits by cutting acquisition costs, minimising HSE footprints (reduced crew from 600 to ~220, and vehicles from 160 to ~40), and enabling expanded land access in sabkha-dune environments, all while maintaining high-quality data acquisition,” said Eskil Jersing, exploration and appraisal Director, CCED.

Beyond delivering high-density seismic data, STRYDE’s system helped CCED significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, streamline logistics and enhance worker safety.

Aligned with strategic priorities of NOCs and IOCs

STRYDE’s scalable technology answers the strategic imperatives of both National Oil Companies (NOCs) and International Oil Companies (IOCs). For NOCs, the system supports long-term exploration programmes with minimal environmental disruption and offers workflows that can be easily localised and scaled through workforce upskilling. For IOCs operating in high-risk or frontier regions, STRYDE’s agility enables rapid mobilisation, reduced overhead and accelerated decision-making cycles. By delivering dense, affordable seismic data, STRYDE enhances subsurface understanding, critical for unlocking unconventional plays and de-risking joint ventures.

The future of seismic is automated

As the Middle East energy industry pivots toward digitalisation, decarbonisation, and decentralisation, STRYDE is pushing the boundaries of what’s currently possible in seismic and subsurface imaging. The company has created technologies that integrate miniaturisation and workflow automation, enabling faster insights with reduced environmental and operational impacts and costs.

In a sector where efficiency, data integrity, and ESG compliance are now business imperatives, STRYDE’s Pro System is more than a modular seismic solution; it is a blueprint for the future of exploration.

In the oil and gas industry, where every second counts and every decision impacts profitability and safety, robust security is not just a luxury – it's a necessity

From protecting critical assets to safeguarding human lives, security systems must meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.

Pelco, a leader in video security, is uniquely positioned to address the challenges faced by oil and gas companies in the Middle East, offering a fresh perspective on how to optimise security systems seamlessly. With our upcoming online event, we invite you to explore how Pelco can help tackle worker safety, asset protection and operational efficiency in this complex industry.

Addressing oil and gas challenges head-on

Oil and gas operations in the Middle East span harsh deserts, sprawling refineries and high-risk offshore environments. Physical, environmental and digital threats are converging, and security systems must evolve to meet these overlapping demands. Our upcoming online event will focus on three critical areas where Pelco's expertise can make a difference:

1. Improve worker safety and HSE compliance

Ensuring worker safety is both a moral responsibility and a regulatory imperative. Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) compliance is a top priority for oil and gas operations. Pelco's advanced portfolio is designed to help you meet these standards.

Edge-based analytics and intelligent video security can be valuable tools in supporting site safety. These systems can help detect safety incidents, such as slips or falls, especially in areas where oily surfaces, heat or dust create additional hazards. When incidents occur in remote areas, automated detection can prompt faster intervention, thereby closing the gap between the event and the response.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance is another key safety concern. High temperatures in the Middle East can lead to discomfort, and in some cases, workers may be tempted to remove protective gear, such as hard hats or vests, for temporary relief. In this case, AI-enabled video analytics can help identify instances of non-compliance, enabling safety teams to address the issue before it becomes a liability.

Zone-based behavioural analytics can help detect when someone enters a restricted or hazardous area or remains in a dangerous zone longer than necessary. For example, loitering detection near flare stacks or storage tanks can support situational awareness and proactive incident mitigation.

2. Improve security and asset protection

From refineries in the desert to offshore rigs in corrosive marine environments, your assets operate under pressure, so your security systems must withstand these harsh conditions. In areas where explosive gases or dust particles may be present, even basic equipment can pose risks. That’s why choosing video solutions built for hazardous environments is critical.

ExSite Enhanced cameras, featuring 316L stainless steel construction and certifications such as ATEX and IECEx, are designed for use in hazardous atmospheres. Whether it’s observing pipeline manifolds, wellheads or chemical storage areas, these systems deliver dependable performance in high-risk environments. In corrosive coastal locations, such as LNG terminals or offshore rigs, Pelco’s anti-corrosion models withstand salt spray, humidity and chemical exposure without compromising visibility.

For perimeter defence, long-range Silent Sentinel cameras give security teams early warning of approaching threats, detecting vehicles, vessels or drones from kilometres away in fog, darkness or dust. These systems are especially valuable for remote desert pipelines or unstaffed offshore installations, where rapid detection is critical to prevent disruptions.

3. Minimise downtime and maximise uptime

Every minute of downtime impacts revenue. For oil and gas operations, the cost of unplanned outages is measured in millions of dollars. With Pelco, your video security can become an operational asset.
Radiometric thermal cameras can detect overheating in transformers, compressors and electrical panels, allowing teams to take action before equipment failure occurs. At the same time, Pelco’s camera image health analytics help ensure your video infrastructure is always performing at its best. Our cameras automatically detect issues such as lens obstructions, misalignment or tampering, reducing the need for manual inspections and helping ensure your security coverage is always clear, optimised and ready when it matters most.

Join us to discover the Pelco advantage

We invite you to join our upcoming online event, where industry leaders and Pelco experts will dive deeper into these challenges and solutions. Together, we'll explore how Pelco can be the missing ingredient to supercharge your security and drive operational excellence in the Middle East oil and gas sector.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and position your operations for success. Register now and discover how Pelco can transform your approach to security.

Sustainable technologies are attracting unprecedented attention across sectors, particularly as the global shift toward net zero intensifies.

From the increasing use of low-carbon hydrogen in industries like green steel to the development of alternative fuels and renewable energy solutions, companies are actively seeking viable pathways to decarbonise.

IDTechEx’s Energy & Decarbonisation and Sustainability Research Reports provide in-depth coverage of these trends, exploring cutting-edge technologies and their impact on various markets.

The steel industry’s role in emissions

Steel remains one of the most carbon-intensive industries, and demand continues to rise due to global population growth, accelerating industrialisation, the AI-driven expansion of data centres, and the rollout of renewable energy infrastructure. As a result, efforts to decarbonise steelmaking have become critical.

The traditional blast furnace route, still the dominant method for crude steel production, emits roughly 2.3 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of steel produced. This poses significant sustainability challenges and is pushing regulators to tighten emissions controls and promote low-carbon alternatives.

Electric arc furnaces (EAFs), often used in steel recycling, offer a cleaner alternative. When powered by renewable electricity, EAFs can enable near-zero-emission steel production. This method is already in use and forms the backbone of green steel projects. When paired with direct reduced iron (DRI) technology, hydrogen can be used as a reducing agent instead of fossil fuels. IDTechEx’s report Green Steel 2025–2035 explores these technologies in detail, outlining their benefits, challenges and commercial potential.

Hydrogen as a low-emissions alternative

Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using renewable energy, is emerging as a viable low-carbon energy carrier. It is particularly suited to sectors where electrification is difficult or inefficient. Companies already using hydrogen in industrial processes, such as chemical manufacturers, fertiliser producers and refineries, are expected to lead the early adoption of green hydrogen, given the relatively minor adjustments required to existing infrastructure.

Heavy industries such as steel and long-haul transportation are likely to be major consumers of green hydrogen up to 2040. Hydrogen fuel cells are gaining traction due to their faster refuelling times and longer range compared to batteries. In these cases, green hydrogen provides a sustainable energy source that aligns with decarbonisation goals.

Beyond 2040, green hydrogen is expected to play a growing role in power generation, aviation, and long-duration energy storage, though cost remains a key barrier. Progress in water electrolyser technologies will be crucial to scaling green hydrogen. Advances in component innovation and reduced dependence on critical raw materials will help drive adoption. IDTechEx’s report Materials for Green Hydrogen Production 2026–2036 covers the key technologies and suppliers supporting this evolution.

Green energy technologies rely heavily on advanced materials. Composite materials like carbon fibre offer the strength and lightweight properties needed for efficiency and durability. However, their own production processes can be energy-intensive and difficult to decarbonise.

Also read: Advanced tracer technology for CCS monitoring