Population and economy are two key factors considered in global energy demand projections. With rapidly growing world population, energy security is a global concern. The 2011 World Energy Outlook projected that from the 2010 levels, global oil demand will grow by 14% while gas use will rise by more than 50% as well as account for over 25% of world energy demand by 2035. With hydrocarbons no longer easily accessible, success in the future of oil and gas will require meeting various challenges, including ensuring that both discovered and new resources can be produced in economically and environmentally sound manner to offset the natural field decline. Also, shareholders, non-government organizations and local communities are seeking for more value and demonstration of social responsibilities from the industry. Additionally, governments and policymakers are imposing stricter regulations that impact reserve maturation and production.

One of the ways stakeholders' expectations can be addressed is by making the most use of resources to lower costs and improve operational efficiency. Lean is a business improvement technique with a collection of tools to eliminate ‘'waste'' in an operation and reduce cycle time. Cost reduction is achieved by improving the flow of material and information through the system and continuously finding ways to reduce the amount of work by taking out unnecessary or "waste?? steps in processes. Originally developed by the Japanese automobile company, Toyota and widely employed in the manufacturing industry, more industries are adopting the Lean concept.

This presentation will showcase Lean application in hydrocarbon development and production. Case studies will be provided to demonstrate how Lean implementation has helped and can be used to eliminate wastes in processes and bring about a culture change. Business results are faster hydrocarbon maturation, enhanced production, sustainable cost reduction and stakeholders reaching mutual agreement faster on sustainable development/environmental issues.