 | |
| Company type | Société Anonyme |
|---|---|
| ISIN | FR001400PVN6 |
| Industry | Geoscience |
| Founded | 1931 |
| Headquarters | Massy, France |
Area served | Global |
Key people | Sophie Zurquiyah (CEO) |
| Services | Geoscience |
Number of employees | 3,500 FY2024 |
| Website | www.viridiengroup.com |
Viridien (VIRI), formerly CGG, is a multinational technology, digital and Earth data company, specializing in solving complex natural resource, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. [1] [2] [3] [4]
In 1926, Conrad Schlumberger, and his brother Marcel Schlumberger, formed Société de Prospection Electrique (SPE) which specialized in oil and coal exploration as well as civil engineering.
In March 1931, SPE and Société Géophysique de Recherches Minières (SGRM), both specialists in seismology and magnetometry, merged into La Compagnie Générale de Géophysique (CGG). SGRM provided 5,000,000 francs of capital and CGG provided 120,000 francs of capital. In his premises at 30 rue Fabert, in Paris, Conrad Schlumberger decided to transfer the subsurface business to CGG while SPE retained the logging. At the same time, Raymond Maillet from SGRM was appointed President of CGG.
In 1954, CGG acquired its first IBM 604 computer and an MT4 analog computing center for processing field data.
In 1958, CGG completed its first dual-vessel marine survey with one source vessel.
In 1966, CGG opened its first seismic data processing center in Massy, France.
In 1971, CGG started 3D marine seismic exploration with wide-line profiling .
Veritas Energy Services, a geophysical services company, was established in 1974 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with the purchase of a Rafael Cruz owned firm Rafael B. Cruz and Associates Ltd. by David B. Robson.
Meanwhile, Digital Consultants Inc. had been established in Houston, Texas in 1965. In 1969, Digital Consultants reincorporated as Digicon Inc. (DGC), becoming a public company on the American Stock Exchange.
In 1977, the a single-channel cable telemetry system used for extreme conditions, SN348, was introduced.
In 1979, commercial depth migration was offered.
In 1994, 4D seismic surveys were carried out.
In 1996, Veritas DGC was formed from the merger of Veritas and Digicon.
Then in 2000, the company began imaging 4D time-lapse seismic data for carbon storage injection and monitoring.
The company became CGGVeritas through its merger with the North American company Veritas in 2007.
CGGVeritas acquired Norwegian company Wavefield Inseis in December 2008. [5]
In September 2012, CGGVeritas acquired Fugro's Geoscience Division for €1.2 billion, [6] and changed back its name to CGG.
In 2015, CGG applied new full-waveform inversion and reverse-time migration imaging technologies on massive regional-scale, multi-client datasets in Norway, Gabon and the Gulf of Mexico.
In 2019, CGG introduced time-lag full-waveform inversion.
In 2020, CGG exited seismic acquisition services.
In May 2024, CGG officially rebranded to Viridien. [7]
Viridien develops geoscience technology to find natural resources and manage those resources sustainably. The organization focuses on oil and gas exploration, development and production; mineral exploration and mine development; and geothermal monitoring.
Minerals and mining: Viridien supports mineral exploration through global geological predictions and plate kinematic studies, satellite-derived surface material alteration targeting, provision of geophysical equipment, and the development and provision of modeling software, as well as monitoring services for mining operations and mine tailing storage facilities. [8] [9]
Geothermal: Viridien provides global screening datasets, as well as evaluating and monitoring geothermal developments to gain insight across asset life cycle by utilizing: data and analytics, resource assessments, reservoir characterization, and production and monitoring. [10]
Viridien utilizes analytics and Earth monitoring to understand and provide insights about human impact on the environment. Viridien focuses on environmental insight (on land, ocean, or atmosphere) through remote sensing, machine learning analytics, data analysis and interpretation, and high performance computing (HPC). [11]
Some of the environmental projects in which Viridien has worked on include conducting microplastics pollution surveys as part of a study for an effort to create a Plastic Free zone at Yr Wydffa (Snowdon). [12]
Viridien utilizes monitoring technology and digital twin models to understand an infrastructure’s life span, condition and maintenance needs. Viridien Sercel Structural Monitoring solutions detect potential issues early on to provide structure integrity and public safety. [13]
One of the known applications of Viridien infrastructure monitoring technology is in its work on the "Connected Bridges" project for a French public body. Viridien contributed to the implementation of autonomous sensors and cloud-based signal processing. [14]
Viridien is focused on monitoring geothermal developments, carbon capture utilization and storage, and management of minerals..
Viridien provides datasets to help identify and screen suitable sites for geological carbon storage.
Viridien has screening, evaluating and monitoring capabilities for subsurface risks, helping to speed-up development and minimize risk. Additionally, Viridien works on responsible management of minerals for energy transition. [15] [16] [17]
Viridien has digital capabilities in data management, data transformation, machine learning and cloud services. [18] In 2023, the Viridien HPC hub in the UK helped increase its global total HPC capacity to 500 petaflops, and the HPC business has expanded its commercial offering with AI cloud services.
Viridien is divided into two segments:
• Data, digital and energy transition
• Sensing and monitoring
This includes geoscience (subsurface imaging, geology, reservoir, technology function) and Earth data.
Earth data includes the vast Viridien library of Earth data and digital ecosystems for data that assists in natural resource development and energy transition applications.
Sercel designs and manufactures solutions for subsurface exploration, structural monitoring, defense and underwater acoustics.
In December 2023, it was announced by environmental group Seaspiracy that CGG had been granted authorization by the South African government to conduct seismic blasting between Plettenberg Bay and Gqeberha.
The announcement stirred backlash from environmental groups and South African civil society. This backlash mirrored a similar response to attempts by Shell PLC and Shearwater Geo to conduct seismic blasting off the Wild Coast in December 2021. [19] [20]
Renewable energy is energy from renewable natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale. The most widely used renewable energy types are solar energy, wind power, and hydropower. Bioenergy and geothermal power are also significant in some countries. Some also consider nuclear power a renewable power source, although this is controversial. Renewable energy installations can be large or small and are suited for both urban and rural areas. Renewable energy is often deployed together with further electrification. This has several benefits: electricity can move heat and vehicles efficiently and is clean at the point of consumption. Variable renewable energy sources are those that have a fluctuating nature, such as wind power and solar power. In contrast, controllable renewable energy sources include dammed hydroelectricity, bioenergy, or geothermal power.
Petroleum engineering is a field of engineering concerned with the activities related to the production of hydrocarbons, which can be either crude oil or natural gas. Exploration and production are deemed to fall within the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. Exploration, by earth scientists, and petroleum engineering are the oil and gas industry's two main subsurface disciplines, which focus on maximizing economic recovery of hydrocarbons from subsurface reservoirs. Petroleum geology and geophysics focus on provision of a static description of the hydrocarbon reservoir rock, while petroleum engineering focuses on estimation of the recoverable volume of this resource using a detailed understanding of the physical behavior of oil, water and gas within porous rock at very high pressure.
Reflection seismology is a method of exploration geophysics that uses the principles of seismology to estimate the properties of the Earth's subsurface from reflected seismic waves. The method requires a controlled seismic source of energy, such as dynamite or Tovex blast, a specialized air gun or a seismic vibrator. Reflection seismology is similar to sonar and echolocation.
Geologic modelling,geological modelling or geomodelling is the applied science of creating computerized representations of portions of the Earth's crust based on geophysical and geological observations made on and below the Earth surface. A geomodel is the numerical equivalent of a three-dimensional geological map complemented by a description of physical quantities in the domain of interest. Geomodelling is related to the concept of Shared Earth Model; which is a multidisciplinary, interoperable and updatable knowledge base about the subsurface.
Geoinformatics is a scientific field primarily within the domains of Computer Science and technical geography. It focuses on the programming of applications, spatial data structures, and the analysis of objects and space-time phenomena related to the surface and underneath of Earth and other celestial bodies. The field develops software and web services to model and analyse spatial data, serving the needs of geosciences and related scientific and engineering disciplines. The term is often used interchangeably with Geomatics, although the two have distinct focuses; Geomatics emphasizes acquiring spatial knowledge and leveraging information systems, not their development. At least one publication has claimed the discipline is pure computer science outside the realm of geography.
Magnetotellurics (MT) is an electromagnetic geophysical method for inferring the earth's subsurface electrical conductivity from measurements of natural geomagnetic and geoelectric field variation at the Earth's surface.
The China Geological Survey (CGS) (Chinese: 中国地质调查局) is a government-owned, not-for-profit, Chinese organization researching China's mineral resources. It is a public institution managed by the State Council's ministries and commissions responsible for geological and mineral exploration under the State Council of the People's Republic of China. According to the national land and resources survey plan, it is now managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It is the largest Geoscience agency in China since being reinstated in 1999, and the headquarter is in Beijing, the capital of China.
Petrophysics is the study of physical and chemical rock properties and their interactions with fluids.
An enhanced geothermal system (EGS) generates geothermal electricity without natural convective hydrothermal resources. Traditionally, geothermal power systems operated only where naturally occurring heat, water, and rock permeability are sufficient to allow energy extraction. However, most geothermal energy within reach of conventional techniques is in dry and impermeable rock. EGS technologies expand the availability of geothermal resources through stimulation methods, such as 'hydraulic stimulation'.
Geothermal power is electrical power generated from geothermal energy. Technologies in use include dry steam power stations, flash steam power stations and binary cycle power stations. Geothermal electricity generation is currently used in 26 countries, while geothermal heating is in use in 70 countries.
NPA Satellite Mapping is the longest-established satellite mapping specialist in Europe, with expertise in geoscience applications of earth observation and remote sensing. In addition to processing and distributing data from a variety of optical and radar satellites, NPA specialises in added-value and derived products, providing validation and interpretation of satellite-based imagery.
A geologist is a scientist who studies the structure, composition, and history of Earth. Geologists incorporate techniques from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and geography to perform research in the field and the laboratory. Geologists work in the energy and mining sectors to exploit natural resources. They monitor environmental hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and landslides. Geologists are also important contributors to climate change discussions.
The European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) is a professional organization for geoscientists and engineers, established in 1951 with a worldwide membership. The association provides a platform for professionals in geophysics, petroleum exploration, geology, reservoir engineering, mining, civil engineering, digitalization and energy transition to exchange ideas and information.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is a government agency of the Philippines under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The MGB is responsible for the conservation, management, development, and use of the country's mineral resources, including those in reservations and public lands.
Geothermal exploration is the exploration of the subsurface in search of viable active geothermal regions with the goal of building a geothermal power plant, where hot fluids drive turbines to create electricity. Exploration methods include a broad range of disciplines including geology, geophysics, geochemistry and engineering.
BRGM is France's public reference institution in Earth Science applications for the management of surface and subsurface resources and risks. It also deals with geological surveys of French territory.
Sergo OrdzhonikidzeRussian State University for Geological Prospecting, or the Russian State University for Geological Prospecting is named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze and previously known as the Moscow Geological Prospecting Institute, is a public university based in Moscow, Russia, specialising in geology, geophysics, gemmology, ecology and other earth-science disciplines.
Nigel Press is a British geologist who pioneered the development of commercial applications of satellite earth observation technology in geo-science, and founded Europe's longest standing satellite mapping company.
Sherilyn Williams-Stroud has been active in the field of geology for over three decades, where she has been recognized as one of the most important women in the field. In terms of representation in STEM. Throughout her career she has been paving the way for women, ethnic minorities, members of the LGBT community as well as other communities to nullify that underrepresentation. Williams-Stroud attended Oberlin College where she studied geology and graduated from in 1981, and she earned both her master's degree in geology (1984) and her PhD in structural geology (1988) from Johns Hopkins University. Although her work is dedicated to sedimentology, geophysics and geochemistry, she does have particular areas of expertise in fracture modelling, stress and strain analysis, rock fracture mechanics with applications to oil and gas production and exploration, geothermal energy, evaporite, geochemistry and other resources. Williams-Stroud created her own company Confractus, Inc. Williams-Stroud is an active member of several professional organizations as well as a leading activist of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Geological engineering is a discipline of engineering concerned with the application of geological science and engineering principles to fields, such as civil engineering, mining, environmental engineering, and forestry, among others. The work of geological engineers often directs or supports the work of other engineering disciplines such as assessing the suitability of locations for civil engineering, environmental engineering, mining operations, and oil and gas projects by conducting geological, geoenvironmental, geophysical, and geotechnical studies. They are involved with impact studies for facilities and operations that affect surface and subsurface environments. The engineering design input and other recommendations made by geological engineers on these projects will often have a large impact on construction and operations. Geological engineers plan, design, and implement geotechnical, geological, geophysical, hydrogeological, and environmental data acquisition. This ranges from manual ground-based methods to deep drilling, to geochemical sampling, to advanced geophysical techniques and satellite surveying. Geological engineers are also concerned with the analysis of past and future ground behaviour, mapping at all scales, and ground characterization programs for specific engineering requirements. These analyses lead geological engineers to make recommendations and prepare reports which could have major effects on the foundations of construction, mining, and civil engineering projects. Some examples of projects include rock excavation, building foundation consolidation, pressure grouting, hydraulic channel erosion control, slope and fill stabilization, landslide risk assessment, groundwater monitoring, and assessment and remediation of contamination. In addition, geological engineers are included on design teams that develop solutions to surface hazards, groundwater remediation, underground and surface excavation projects, and resource management. Like mining engineers, geological engineers also conduct resource exploration campaigns, mine evaluation and feasibility assessments, and contribute to the ongoing efficiency, sustainability, and safety of active mining projects
