Luna Loya, M. C. (2021). Transformation in the oil and gas industry: : A novel hydrocarbon storage solution [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2021.81431
The digital age and stronger focus on sustainability of energy production have brought a wave of new advancements to the world. Nonetheless, the traditional fossil fuels will continue to be the main source of energy for the next decades. However, the oil and gas industry must adapt to the new era and increase its agility to quickly respond to the fluctuations in supply and demand in upcoming and developing markets. In this paper, a literature review is first presented describing the challenges and opportunities faced in the industry. Two strategies are presented which have shown to propel forward other industries and could help the oil and gas industry adapt to current times. Following this literature review, the findings will be applied to the development of a novel flexible hydrocarbon storage solution. The intention of this project is to present improvements, by which the industry could become more agile and responsive by offering a more economic and quick-to-build solution to replace carbon steel storage tanks. The implementation of such a solution would substantially improve the balance of economic, environmental, and social focus of the industry and offer a step forward starting from the midstream sector, the one responsible for moving hydrocarbons to where they are needed.