Melding geoscience and information technology to enhance exploration success: a case study from Peru

Rick Schrynemeecker, Craig Schiefelbein, Suhas Talukdar, Rick Requejo, and Jennifer Poole describe the process involved in providing accessible hydrocarbon prospectivity information for Peru's government oil and gas agency. For the timely evaluation of hydrocarbon exploration opportunities, ready access to supporting data and information is critical. Access to this information via conventional brick-and-mortar data rooms is often problematic and consequently they are increasingly being replaced by web portals that allow remote, secure access to large amounts of specialized data and information. The future need for and value of these solutions will grow as the demand for information in support of hydrocarbon development activities increases. This article describes a solution developed for PERUPETRO, the government agency responsible for promoting hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation opportunities in Peru. A specialized petroleum database was developed and petroleum systems defined as a means to generate renewed interest in hydrocarbon exploration in Peru. The end result allows potential energy investors access to key hydrocarbon exploration information via a Web-enabled portal.