Oil and Gas Upstream explores what is happening in the upstream oil and gas industry. Host Elena Melchert brings value, unity, and information to the energy industry one conversation at a time. Guests of this show bring stories from various sectors of the industry.
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DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Kyle Haustveit, Former Assistant Secretary for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal at the US Department of Energy, now the U.S. Department of Energy’s Under Secretary of Energy as if May 22, 2026.Recorded at OTC 2026, this discussion includes the recent realignment of energy offices, the importance of critical minerals, and innovations […]
DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Dr. Richard Middleton shares with Host, Elena Melchert, insights into carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). He focuses on software tools that can screen for good CCS candidates around the world, that excel at pipeline routing, and that can optimize a CCS project location. LINKS Carbon Solutions Services, Software, and Projects: https://www.carbonsolutionsllc.com/carbon-solutions-services-software-and-projectsCarbon […]
DESCRIPTIONIn this episode recorded live at the Offshore Technology Conference 2026, Host, Elena Melchert, interviews John Dabbar, Executive Director of the National Petroleum Council, exploring the council’s role, recent studies, and the future of energy resources including oil, natural gas, and critical minerals. They discuss stakeholder engagement, regulatory challenges, and innovative research at national labs. […]
In this episode recorded in person at the CCUS Conference 2026, Host, Elena Melchert talks with Ed Covington, Vice President of Strategy and Markets at Pelican Energy Consultants, who shares insights into the complex world of CO2 processing, pipeline transport, and the role of supercritical CO2 in CCS and EOR projects. Discover how decades of […]
In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, invites Dr. Neeraj Gupta to share his extensive journey in carbon management, CCS research, and the innovative work at Battell. Discover the history, challenges, and future of CCS with prospects of offshore CO2 storage and the evolution of CCS technology. Of note is the role of the U.S. Department […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTIONExplore the critical intersections of electricity transmission, competition, and costs in this insightful discussion between Host, Elena Melchert, and Paul Ciccio, Chairman, Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition. They dive into how lack of competition affects transmission costs and what policy changes could make a difference for consumers and industries […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI Jag GattuDESCRIPTION In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Jag Gattu, founder and CEO of Uptime AI, about how AI is transforming the decision-making process in upstream oil and gas operations. They explore the evolution of data analytics, how the development of sensor technology is essential to the role […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, we explore the sophisticated technology behind modern drilling operations, focusing on mud motors and measurement while drilling (MWD). Our guests from MS Directional share insights into how these tools enable precise wellbore placement and the future of drilling technology. Featuring Derek Koller and Chuck Davis. […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Bryan Mandelbaum, Vice President at Black & Veatch, about the future of LNG, floating LNG technology (FLNG), and the critical role of energy in global development. They explore the technical, economic, and geopolitical aspects of LNG projects, risk management, and the evolving […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, climate scientist turned entrepreneur Dr. Garrett Boudinot shares the innovative technology behind Vycarb, a company developing a groundbreaking method to accelerate ocean carbon sequestration by converting CO2 into bicarbonate. Discover how this solution offers a scalable, permanent, and low-cost approach to industrial carbon storage, with […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, recorded in person at the 2026 SPE-AAPG-SEG CCUS Conference, The Woodlands, TX, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with John Hamling, Asst. Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center. John shares insights about the transferability of research results from […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Alex Hawkinson, CEO of Bright AI, shares with Host, Elena Melchert, insights on how physical AI is transforming critical infrastructure sectors like energy. Discover how advanced sensors, robotics, and AI models are boosting productivity, safety, and sustainability in oil and gas operations. KeywordsPhysical AI, IoT, […]
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Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTONIn this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, interviews Daniel Moreno-Garcia, VP Research, Project InnerSpace about the future of geothermal energy, its technological parallels with oil and gas, and the role of industry collaboration and innovation in scaling geothermal solutions worldwide. LINKShttps://www.canarymedia.com/articles/geothermal/xprize-competition-next-gen-geothermal-plants www.projectinnerspace.org Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTIONIn this interview, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with Sonali Singh, SVP of Product at Quorum Software, as she shares her extensive experience in AI, software development, and energy. She discusses the evolution of AI from deterministic to agentic workflows, its applications in oil and gas, and how it […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTIONIn this insightful interview, former Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) discusses with Host, Elena Melchert, the vital role of natural gas in the energy transition, Louisiana’s energy industry, and the importance of a balanced approach to energy policy. She shares her career journey, the significance of energy for global […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, and Dr. Christopher Liner, Science Advisor for RAM Geothermal, discuss innovative geothermal technologies, including new patents that could revolutionize geothermal energy extraction. He shares insights from his extensive industry background, academic research, and recent patents, highlighting how these advancements can accelerate the […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert interviews tax lawyer Elizabeth McGinley about the intricacies of CCUS, tax credits like 45Q and 45Z, and the evolving landscape of carbon capture, utilization, and storage industry. They explore the technical, legal, and financial aspects of CCUS projects, including permitting, contracts, and […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert talks with Chris Treano, Executive Director of Advocacy Group for Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) about the need for permitting reform to expand American energy infrastructure, how it can alleviate costs for consumers and grow our economy, and the prospects for […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI This episode features Host, Elena Melchert, Don Conkle, Trustee, Marietta College Board of Directors, and Dr. Ben Stuart, Dean, Center for Earth, Energy, and the Environment, discussing the upcoming energy symposium at Marietta College, featuring keynote presentation by Dr. Scott Tinker, panel focusing on energy diversity, speaker on […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI Episode Description In this episode recorded in person at 2026 CERAWeek by S&P Global, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with Herman Nieuwoudt, President, IFS Energy Resources, about what is needed to succeed during times of extreme volatility. The energy industry is experiencing rapid technological change, enabling greater resilience and improved […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with Karen Olson, President, Olson Turner Enterprises about the history of the HFTC, and provides a complete summary of the Opening Panel Session on the first day of HFTC 2026 sharing key messages she heard from Panelist, Assistant Secretary Kyle Hausveit, […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Ted Pardee, CRO, Kognitiv Spark, about the transformative potential of augmented reality and AI in the oil and gas industry. They explore various use cases, and how these technologies enhance safety, training, and operational efficiency in remote and challenging environments. https://www.kognitivspark.com/linkedin.com/in/tedpardeeCorporate LinkedIn: […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Tyler Rice, Pressure Control Sales Manager at SPM Oil and Gas. Tyler shares his journey into the oil and gas industry, discussing his diverse experiences and the evolution of pressure control technology. The conversation delves into […]
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, discusses the evolution of data management in the oil and gas industry with Cindy Sullivan, a Principal Consultant at ORTECHA. They explore the challenges of data quality, the importance of metadata, and the role of AI in data management. The conversation highlights […]
