Subsurface Energy Digital Innovation (SEDI)

The Subsurface Energy and Digital Innovation Center (SEDI) at the University of Wyoming's (UW) School of Energy Resources is a center of excellence dedicated to becoming a pioneering hub for advancing energy solutions by integrating cutting-edge digital technologies.

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Focus Areas

Blockchain for Sustainable Energy

SEDI recognizes blockchain technology as a pivotal innovation for the sustainable energy sector. This technology offers unparalleled opportunities to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in various energy systems. By integrating blockchain with smart contracts and the Internet of Things (IoT), SEDI aims to transform energy systems into more sustainable, reliable, and equitable infrastructures. Key applications and initiatives include (i) monitoring, verifying, and reporting (MRV) for carbon capture utilization and storage projects, (ii) tokenization of sustainable fuels and their environmental attributes, (iii) integration with IoTs for enhanced data integrity, (iv) supply chain management for sustainable energy resources.

Big Data and Analytics for Energy

Leveraging vast amounts of field and laboratory data, AI algorithms, and high-performance computing, SEDI aims to optimize exploration, production, operational efficiency, and decision-making processes. The applications of interest include (i) reservoir characterization and sweet spot identification, (ii) production forecast and optimization for conventional and unconventional reservoirs, (iii) real-time data-driven drilling optimization (e.g., oil and gas operations, carbon storage wells (Class VI), in-situ mining for rare-earth elements, uranium, etc.), (iv) predictive maintenance of equipment.

Physics-informed Machine Learning Models

Merging the precision of physics with the adaptability of machine learning, SEDI will lead the application of PIML for energy system modeling, with a focus on (i) reactive transport modeling in porous media (e.g., oil and gas production, CO2 geo-storage, underground hydrogen generation, and storage, etc.) (ii) optimization of enhanced oil recovery techniques, (iii) environmental impact assessment of drilling operations, (iv) wellbore and reservoir stability in CCUS projects.

Novel Fluids for Energy Applications

Addressing the demand for safe, efficient, and sustainable energy production, SEDI will investigate complex fluids with adjustable properties, such as viscoelastic surfactants, nanofluids, foams, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents. We will leverage AI with laboratory-generated data to discover new fluid combinations and improve their properties for each specific application. The research spans numerous applications, including hydraulic fracturing, drilling fluids, cementing, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents, CO2 capture, and rare-earth mineral extraction.

Virtual/Augmented Reality and Digital Twins

SEDI is set to accelerate the energy sector's adoption of advanced technologies like VR/AR, Digital Twins, 3D Printing, and Robotics, focusing on improving real-time operational management and predictive maintenance. This initiative aims to boost operational efficiency and safety with real-time monitoring, smart alerts, and predictive maintenance analysis, reducing downtime and risks. Wyoming's small energy businesses could enhance their decision-making, troubleshooting, maintenance, and remote collaboration through these innovative technologies. An example is developing AR-based modules for high-risk operations in power plants, drilling rigs, wind farms, etc.

Mission & Objectives

The Center of Excellence in Subsurface Energy and Digital Innovation Center (SEDI) at the University of Wyoming stands at the confluence of an urgent global need for sustainable energy solutions and the transformative power of digital technologies. Our vision is a future where SEDI’s contributions have significantly advanced energy efficiency, sustainability, and the digital revolution within the energy sector. With a mission to lead in the development and adoption of cutting-edge digital and scientific solutions for energy challenges, SEDI is poised to fill critical gaps in research and application, driving innovation and sustainable development.

As the global energy landscape undergoes a profound transformation toward sustainability, the imperative for innovation has never been more critical. SEDI aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, championing the integration of advanced digital technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and virtual and augmented reality, with novel scientific methodologies to elevate energy sector sustainability and efficiency. By capitalizing on Wyoming's unique resources and positioning, SEDI intends to catalyze the adoption of groundbreaking energy solutions.