Could You Build an Oil Company with Public Data?

Public data in energy is basically the Wild West, a mix of outdated systems, inconsistent reporting standards, and layers of bureaucracy that make it nearly impossible to use efficiently. In this episode of *Energy 101*, Jacob and Julie chat with John Ferrell, the brains behind WellDatabase, to unpack how all this chaos came to be. From dusty microfiche records to confusing state databases that can’t agree on formats, John breaks down why accessing “public” data often feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. He also explains how WellDatabase is cleaning up the mess—turning scattered, messy datasets into tools that actually help operators, analysts, and decision-makers get work done. It’s a surprisingly entertaining look at how something as boring-sounding as data can make or break the energy industry.

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Click here to view the episode transcript.

00:00 - Intro
01:50 - Starting WellDatabase
03:53 - Public Data Challenges
08:27 - Storage of Public Data
10:15 - Quality Issues in Oil and Gas Data
11:59 - Enverus Data Cleanup Process
16:45 - Founding Enverus
18:10 - AI in Data Cleaning
23:28 - Personal Learning and Growth
25:40 - Public Data Reporting Gaps
31:44 - Essential Data for E&Ps
35:10 - Public Data's Importance for Investors
36:05 - Significance of Accurate Data
38:20 - Scale of Data Operations
40:30 - Keeping Data Current
42:58 - Selecting the Right Team
44:45 - Creating a Video Game
49:33 - Personal Anecdote
50:50 - Final Thoughts

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