Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise industries worldwide, and the energy sector is no exception. Two industry leaders, Adnoc and Aramco, have made significant strides in leveraging AI to enhance operations, drive sustainability, and pave the way for a digital future.

Adnoc generated $500 million in value through AI deployment in 2023, while Aramco unveiled the aramcoMETABRAIN AI model and established the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL).

ADNOC'S AI DEPLOYMENT

Adnoc, a frontrunner in adopting cutting-edge technologies, generated $500 million in value by deploying AI solutions across its value chain. By integrating over 30 AI tools, Adnoc achieved remarkable results, including the reduction of up to 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing approximately 200,000 gasoline-powered cars from the road.

Adnoc Panorama Digital Command Center

In upstream operations, AI plays a pivotal role in subsurface resource mapping, optimising drilling and production activities, and reservoir management. These applications enable Adnoc to enhance production capacity swiftly and efficiently, while delivering lower-carbon intensity energy to the world.

Additionally, Adnoc's Centralised Predictive Analytics and Diagnostics (CPAD) program utilises AI to remotely monitor critical operational equipment, reducing unplanned shutdowns, streamlining maintenance, and improving operational efficiency.

Furthermore, Adnoc's commitment to sustainability is reinforced by its net-zero by 2045 ambition and the target to achieve near-zero methane emissions by 2030.

Tools like Emission X gather real-time and historical data, enabling accurate prediction of emission sources up to five years in advance. This empowers operators to take preventative action, aligning with Adnoc's vision for a more sustainable energy sector.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, said: “Artificial intelligence is one of the most important economic and social game changers of our era and it can play a crucial role in accelerating a just, orderly and equitable energy transition.”

He added: “At Adnoc, we have integrated artificial intelligence across our operations, from the control room to the boardroom, and it is enabling us to make smarter decisions and better protect our people and the environment. As we grow our diversified portfolio to ensure secure, reliable and responsible supply of energy, we are further integrating AI to future-proof our business and drive greater and more sustainable value from our assets and resources.”  

ARAMCO'S INNOVATIONS

Aramco, a Saudi oil giant, unveiled its groundbreaking AI model, aramcoMETABRAIN, and established the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL).

aramcoMETABRAIN is an industrial-grade generative AI model based on 90 years of accumulated company data. Aramco plans to leverage this model to power disruptive, cognitive applications across its business, driving productivity and transforming work processes.

SAIL, a collaborative initiative, aims to advance the digital economy through challenge-based research and development, product development, and the creation of a national and global ecosystem of partners.

Cofounded by Aramco and the Saudi Research, Development and Innovation Authority, SAIL brings together key stakeholders to strengthen capabilities and foster breakthrough innovations.

On the aramcoMETABRAIN large language AI model, Amin Nasser , Aramco President & CEO said: "We believe METABRAIN has the potential to raise both productivity and growth as well as transform the way we work… Clearly, the power of generative AI is something most companies are keen to tap into. What is also clear is that with any major innovation, there are obvious risks. For Aramco, developing our own generative AI model enables us to realise the benefits while reducing these risks."

On the formation of SAIL, Nasser said: "SAIL is not just a project. It is a journey with our national and private partners, and it is a commitment to the future. Together we intend to establish a preeminent digital ecosystem that attracts global leaders, top talent and breakthrough innovation to incubate what is needed now and invest in what’s next."

"We aim to enable Saudi businesses to outperform in their industries, growing the digital economy and keeping the Kingdom at the forefront of market-driven digital innovation. Through SAIL, our goal is to create new digital products, new digital ventures, breakthrough IP and global consortiums to tackle major challenges," he added.

THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

Adnoc and Aramco have emerged as leaders in harnessing the power of AI to transform the energy sector. Adnoc's deployment of AI solutions across its value chain has generated substantial value, reduced emissions, and paved the way for a greener future. Aramco's introduction of the aramcoMETABRAIN AI model and the establishment of SAIL demonstrate the company's commitment to innovation and its focus on creating a digital ecosystem for accelerated growth.