Launched in Amsterdam in 2016, Hiber set out to build a constellation of compact satellites to connect and monitor the world\u2019s most remote regions. From water wells in the Sahel to Arctic weather stations, the vision was bold, and the technology groundbreaking. While the original plan faced technical and commercial challenges, it laid the foundation for a more focused and impactful direction. Backed by Finch Capital and partnered with WTS Energy, Hiber has returned with renewed strength- delivering powerful, satellite-driven monitoring solutions that make operations in the oil and gas sector safer, smarter, and more sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With millions of oil and gas wells scattered across some of the planet\u2019s most inaccessible regions, monitoring operations in real time has remained a persistent challenge. That\u2019s where Hiber steps in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are approximately four million oil and gas wells worldwide. And they’re not always large drilling platforms or pumpjacks. The vast majority are small and remote,\u201d explains Simon Philipsen, Managing Director of Hiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These sites are often located in extreme environments- from the Australian outback and South American jungles to West African river deltas and offshore locations near Malaysia. They\u2019re also typically underserviced by traditional infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn addition, thousands of kilometers of pipelines run through inhospitable areas. The pressure and temperature of all those wells are rarely monitored remotely. At most, they have a few meters. Those have to be read on-site. But then you have to go there by jeep, helicopter, or boat. Then someone writes down the meter readings and leaves again. If something goes wrong the next day, no one will notice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiber\u2019s satellite-powered technology changes that, offering a scalable, cost-effective way to monitor pressure, flow, and temperature in real time, no matter how remote the location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After decades of leniency around environmental impact, the industry is now under growing pressure to meet both regulatory and investor expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRegulations are becoming stricter, but these multinationals are also held to stricter requirements by their shareholders. The greater the pollution, the more they have to clean up and the higher the costs, not to mention the social impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For operators, real-time monitoring is no longer just a convenience- it\u2019s a necessity. And Hiber is helping make it accessible at global scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiber\u2019s satellite-connected sensors are designed with one goal in mind: reliable, long-term performance in even the harshest environments. Once installed on a remote well or pipeline, they quietly do their job- communicating vital data back to operators, without the need for constant maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Hiber sensors and satellite transmitters, oil and gas wells anywhere in the world can be monitored from behind a desk. To conserve power, the devices stay in sleep mode for most of the time and only wake briefly to transmit data. \u201cWe only have to visit every 5 or 10 years to replace the battery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This level of efficiency is made possible by leveraging existing satellite infrastructure, including major providers like Inmarsat. While Hiber no longer manufactures its own satellites, the original vision of low-power, high-impact remote sensing remains at the core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crucially, Hiber develops and programs the sensors and transmitters in-house, ensuring tight control over performance and customization. In a major step forward, the company acquired French industrial supplier Srett Industrie just nine months after its relaunch. \u201cThat was quite a milestone, also for the employees,\u201d says Philipsen. \u201cIt truly restored our faith.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Hiber strengthens its presence in the energy sector, the question inevitably arises: what role does a tech company play in a fossil fuel world? For Hiber, the answer is clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t contribute to increased fossil fuel production; we contribute to safer and more profitable operations,\u201d Philipsen explains. \u201cIf we didn\u2019t, that production would simply continue. Whatever you think of the oil and gas industry, those resources exist. Even when they\u2019re no longer used, they still need to be monitored for at least another 20 years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking ahead, Hiber is already preparing for a broader future. \u201cUltimately, we are active in an industry that is finite. By the time that happens, we\u2019ll already be working on other applications. We\u2019re already cautiously active in monitoring hydrogen installations and are now exploring whether we can play a role in CO\u2082 storage in old oil and gas wells.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the energy landscape evolves, Hiber aims to be part of the solution- supporting responsible operations today and enabling cleaner technologies tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Want the full story in Dutch? Access the original Het Parool article here- free of charge.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n