US energy giant Chevron to invest $1 billion in India, set up new 'tech hub' in Bengaluru

Aug. 22, 2024, 4:55 a.m.

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Chevron, a major American energy company, is making a significant investment in India with plans to establish a new engineering and technology centre in Bengaluru. The project, called the Chevron Engineering and Innovation Excellence Centre, or “The Engine,” represents a major milestone for the 145-year-old company, which generates around $200 billion in revenue annually. The purpose of this new hub is to develop innovative solutions that are not only affordable and reliable but also contribute to a cleaner energy future.

Advertisement This investment is one of the largest that Chevron has made in its history, signalling the company’s commitment to advancing technology that will aid in the global transition to more sustainable energy sources.

The new facility in Bengaluru is poised to play a pivotal role in this endeavor by engaging its workforce in meaningful projects aimed at tackling the challenge of providing affordable energy while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions, according to a report by the Times of India.

Chevron’s decision to set up this hub in India places it among other global energy giants like Shell, BP, Saudi Aramco, and Sabic, which have already established their technology and digital centres in the country. Shell, in particular, has made significant investments in India, underscoring the strategic importance of the region for the energy sector.

Akshay Sahni, the incoming head of Chevron India, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Punjab Engineering College and a PhD from Stanford, will be spearheading this initiative. Sahni boasts extensive experience with Chevron in various countries, including the United States, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, China, Thailand, and Bangladesh, over the past 26 years. His return to India, a promise he made to his mother when he first pursued graduate studies in the US, is scheduled for next month.

Chevron’s billion-dollar investment in Bengaluru will be spread over five to six years, with plans to hire 600 employees across various disciplines such as mechanical, civil, petroleum, and computer science by the end of 2025.

Advertisement The company is in the process of finalizing a long-term lease for office space in Bellandur, located in the city’s IT corridor. In the meantime, temporary facilities have already been secured to kick-start operations.

The Engine will serve as a global solutions centre, supporting Chevron’s operations worldwide through advanced work in digital technologies. A key focus of the centre will be on establishing digital labs, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks.

These labs will conduct a variety of activities, ranging from employing AI and machine learning to analyze subsurface geology — crucial for pinpointing optimal locations for carbon storage and ensuring safer drilling sites — to creating digital replicas of complex industrial facilities. These digital replicas will assist in monitoring and streamlining operations on a global scale, ensuring a more dependable supply chain.

Advertisement Robotics will also be a significant area of focus at The Engine. Chevron is already using robotics in various capacities, such as a four-legged robot named “Spot,” developed in collaboration with Boston Dynamics. This robot is capable of navigating industrial sites, equipped with sensors and thermal cameras to monitor equipment and detect potential issues before they escalate.

Overall, Chevron’s new technology hub in Bengaluru is poised to become a vital part of the company’s efforts to drive innovation in the energy sector, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and efficient global energy landscape.