Unlocking 50 Petabytes of Energy Potential

Tape Ark to unlock 50 petabytes of legacy data as operators prepare systems for large-scale artificial intelligence use

15 Nov 2025

A multimillion-dollar partnership between Tape Ark and a major US oil operator is set to modernise one of the industry’s largest legacy data archives, converting more than 50 petabytes of exploration and production records into formats suited for artificial intelligence and advanced analytics.

The project targets decades of seismic surveys, well histories and production reports stored on magnetic tape. While the medium offered durability, it was not designed for integration with cloud systems or modern analytical tools. As AI becomes more central to upstream operations, limited access to such data has emerged as a constraint.

Tape Ark described the initiative as enabling “AI readiness at scale”, pointing to a broader industry challenge. Advanced digital systems require fast, structured and secure access to reliable information. Data that remains locked in outdated storage formats cannot easily support machine learning models or real-time analysis.

The agreement reflects a wider shift across the US oil and gas sector. Rather than concentrating only on pilot AI projects, operators are investing in underlying infrastructure, including cloud migration, data classification and scalable storage, to ensure digital tools can function effectively.

Industry executives increasingly view data modernisation as a strategic step rather than a technical upgrade. Converting archives into accessible digital assets allows companies to apply analytics across drilling, reservoir management and production planning, areas where incremental efficiency gains can carry significant financial impact.

The move also underlines the growing role of specialist technology providers in bridging ageing systems and contemporary platforms. Many large operators built their data estates over decades, resulting in fragmented storage environments that complicate integration.

Challenges remain. Migrating sensitive geological and operational data requires strong cybersecurity controls and regulatory compliance. Large-scale transfers also demand careful oversight to avoid data loss or corruption.

As cost pressures and efficiency demands persist, companies are reassessing the value of historical information. For many in the sector, preparing legacy data for AI-driven tools is becoming a prerequisite for competing in a more digital energy market.