In The Spotlight
Saipem has been awarded two offshore projects in Saudi Arabia, under the existing Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with Saudi Aramco, together amounting to US$500mn
Saipem’s scope of work under the first project involves the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of a crude trunkline of approximately 50 km with a diameter of 42” for the Abu Safa Field, while the activities related to the second project involve the production maintenance programmes of the Berri and Manifa Fields.
Following the abandonment of its 13mn bpd maximum sustainable capacity (MSC) target earlier this year, Aramco is scaling back new greenfield projects, but is continuing with its already announced crude oil increment and maintenance projects to maintain MSC at 12mn bpd.
The award of these projects further boost Saipem’s strong position in the Middle East, where it won several contracts with Aramco and ADNOC last year. In January this year Saipem announced that it had completed the South Gas Compression Plant Pipelines project, designed to increase the life of a large number of gas wells in the Haradh & Hawiyah fields in Saudi Arabia. The scope of work involved the procurement and construction of around 700km of pipelines. In October 2023, Saipem, with NPCC, netted a US1.4bn contract with ADNOC, for the Hail and Ghasha development project.
ADNOC Gas plc has awarded US$550mn worth of engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) contracts for the next phase of the ESTIDAMA Project, the UAE sales gas pipeline network expansion
The contracts were awarded to NMDC Energy P.J.S.C and Galfar Engineering & Contracting W.L.L Emirates.
Ownership of ESTIDAMA is being transferred from ADNOC Gas to ADNOC, thereby significantly optimising ADNOC Gas’ capital efficiency. ADNOC Gas will be paid to operate and maintain ESTIDAMA on behalf of ADNOC and will continue to expand its domestic business through ESTIDAMA, paying ADNOC a transmission fee for actual throughput of the pipeline.
Expanding the network
ESTIDAMA will extend the UAE’s natural gas pipeline network operated by ADNOC Gas from approximately 3,200 km to more than 3,500 km, enabling the transportation of higher volumes of natural gas to customers in the Northern Emirates of the UAE. Following the ownership transfer, ADNOC Gas will continue to manage ESTIDAMA, while ADNOC will cover the capital expenditures for the project.
Dr. Ahmed Alebri, chief executive officer of ADNOC Gas, said, “This award supports the ongoing expansion of the UAE’s gas pipeline network, which will bring lower-cost and sustainable natural gas to more locations across the country. We are proud to play a leading role in meeting the growing demand for gas across the country and enabling the UAE’s goal of gas self-sufficiency. With the transfer of ownership of the ESTIDAMA Project to ADNOC, ADNOC Gas will continue to benefit from the expansion of the pipeline networks, while improving our capital efficiency to ensure that we maximise value for our shareholders.”
ADNOC is investing heavily in gas expansion, given the role gas can play as a lower-carbon transition fuel. ADNOC’s Ruwais LNG project is also making headway, and will more than double ADNOC’s UAE LNG production capacity, supporting the company’s global LNG ambitions.
The key trends and uncertainties surrounding the energy transition are explored in the latest edition of bp’s Energy Outlook
The challenges to the energy system and the implications of key shifts and trends are explored using two main scenarios: Current Trajectory and Net Zero. Together these scenarios span a wide range of the possible outcomes for the global energy system over the next 25 years.
In both scenarios, the structure of energy demand changes, with the importance of fossil fuels declining, replaced by a growing share of low carbon energy, led by wind and solar power.
Primary energy consumption grows by nearly 10% in Current Trajectory and declines around 25% in Net Zero. Growth in primary energy consumption varies from region to region. In developed economies and China, it declines in both scenarios. However, in emerging economies excluding China it grows by 1.3% per year in 2022-50 in Current Trajectory and declines by 0.3% per year in Net Zero, driven by rising prosperity and living standards.
Renewable energy to soar
Renewable energy is predicted to soar in both scenarios, growing by 3.3% to 4.6% per year in 2022-50. driving a faster decarbonisation of the energy system. Growth in installed capacity of wind and solar technologies combined in 2022-50 could grow between 10 and 14 times. The accelerated growth in renewable energy is partly due to higher power demand. The growth of wind and solar is supported by falling costs and a steadily increasing electrification of the energy system. The rising share of variable renewable energy in power generation requires global power systems to bolster their resilience to fluctuations in generation, by upgrading grids, and increasing system flexibility, storage, and reliable spare capacity.
Electricity generation grows strongly in 2022-2050, between 85% and 135%. This increase is driven by the rapid electrification of industry, transport, and buildings alongside the rise in green hydrogen production.
Oil demand declines over the outlook, by between 23% and 73%, but continues to play a significant role in the global energy system for the next 10-15 years and the demand for oil as a feedstock remains resilient. This requires continuing investment in upstream oil (and natural gas).
The decline in oil demand stems at first largely from the improving efficiency of conventional vehicles, but then over time increasingly from the electrification of road transport. The number of electric vehicles grows rapidly, underpinned by regulatory standards and increasing cost competitiveness. The share of oil and gas combined in primary energy in 2050 ranges from 27 % to 50%.
The path of natural gas consumption varies between scenarios, increasing by around 20% in Current Trajectory and declining by over 50% in Net Zero. In the latter scenario, around 80% of the gas consumed is in combination with a carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, contrasting with the limited use of CCS today.
In Net Zero, hydrogen production is fully decarbonised. Green hydrogen represents around 60% of the total low carbon hydrogen produced by 2050. In this scenario low carbon hydrogen production achieves around 390 Mt in 2050.
Declining emissions
Carbon emissions decline between 25% and 95% as the energy system electrifies and renewable energy grows strongly. Carbon emissions reduce to 31 and 2 Gt of CO2e in 2050 in Current Trajectory and Net Zero, respectively. Emissions in 2022 were 41 Gt of CO2e.
“The world is in an ‘energy addition’ phase of the energy transition in which it is consuming increasing amounts of both low carbon energy and fossil fuels,” said Spencer Dale, bp's chief economist, in the Foreword to the Outlook. "The challenge is to move – for the first time in history – to an ‘energy substitution’ phase, in which low carbon energy increases sufficiently quickly to allow the consumption of fossil fuels, and with that carbon emissions, to decline.”
Any successful and enduring transition needs to address all three elements of the energy trilemma, he added, with the security and affordability elements having been highlighted by the repercussions of the energy disruptions and shortages caused by the war in Ukraine.
“To shift the world from its current unsustainable emissions trajectory to a pathway consistent with the Paris climate goals, there is a need for greater electrification fuelled by even faster growth in wind and solar power, and a significant acceleration in energy efficiency improvements, together with increasing use of a whole range of other low carbon energy sources and technologies, including biofuels, low carbon hydrogen, and carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS),” Dale said.
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Rockwell Automation interview with Sebastien Grau
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Rockwell Automation interview with Michael Sweet
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ADIPEC 2023 - Exclusive interview with Wissam Chehabi, Fishbones
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Rockwell Automation interview with Kalypso’s Rodrigo Alves and Knowledge Lens’ Ganesh Iyer
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ADIPEC 2023 - Exclusive interview with Feby Mohammed, Belden
Saipem has been awarded two offshore projects in Saudi Arabia, under the existing Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with Saudi Aramco, together amounting to US$500mn
Saipem’s scope of work under the first project involves the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of a crude trunkline of approximately 50 km with a diameter of 42” for the Abu Safa Field, while the activities related to the second project involve the production maintenance programmes of the Berri and Manifa Fields.
Following the abandonment of its 13mn bpd maximum sustainable capacity (MSC) target earlier this year, Aramco is scaling back new greenfield projects, but is continuing with its already announced crude oil increment and maintenance projects to maintain MSC at 12mn bpd.
The award of these projects further boost Saipem’s strong position in the Middle East, where it won several contracts with Aramco and ADNOC last year. In January this year Saipem announced that it had completed the South Gas Compression Plant Pipelines project, designed to increase the life of a large number of gas wells in the Haradh & Hawiyah fields in Saudi Arabia. The scope of work involved the procurement and construction of around 700km of pipelines. In October 2023, Saipem, with NPCC, netted a US1.4bn contract with ADNOC, for the Hail and Ghasha development project.
STRYDE, which specialises in onshore seismic data, has won 11 new contracts since July 2023, in countries including Saudi Arabia
Under the contracts, STRYDE has provided both its conventional, and in-field processing services for 2D and 3D seismic surveys from countries across the globe, in sectors including geothermal, CCUS, oil and gas, mining and water exploration, with STRYDE Lens, the company’s in-field processing solution, selected for four of the 11 processing projects.
Amine Ourabah, chief geophysicist at STRYDE, said, “The recent surge in STRYDE Lens processing contracts is testament to our ability to deliver rapid, high-quality seismic, enabled by our team of highly skilled land processing geophysicists and our unique ability to transform our state-of-the-art acquisition system into a processing environment that our team can access remotely.
“This powerful combination enables us to deliver an interpretable seismic image very quickly after survey completion. For our customers, this means they can make informed decisions much earlier in the process than would be possible with conventional methods.”
Mike Popham, STRYDE CEO added that the company is investing further in its Centre for High-Performance Computing (CHPC) at its Asker facility in Norway.
“This new CHPC empowers our team to efficiently process, manage and store large volumes of data from both conventional and high-density seismic surveys and provides us with an effective platform for our processing team to conduct research and development activities to further optimise our solutions for our customers,” he said.
Honeywell has launched a new process to improve the efficiency and sustainability of light olefin production
The naphtha to ethane and propane (NEP) technology generates a tunable amount of ethane and propane from naphtha and/or LPG feedstocks, generating more high-value ethylene and propylene with reduced production of lower-value by-products compared to a traditional mixed-feed steam cracking unit and resulting in net cash margin increases. An NEP-based olefins complex also reduces CO2 intensity per metric ton of light olefins produced by 5 to 50% versus a traditional mixed-feed steam cracker.
More efficient production
“The petrochemical industry faces strong competition and challenges in obtaining raw materials globally,” said Matt Spalding, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions in MENA. “Our technology helps to enable more efficient production of ethylene and propylene, two chemicals which are in high demand, while also helping our customers lower their carbon emissions.”
The new solution is a part of Honeywell’s Integrated Olefin Suite technology portfolio to enhance the production of light olefins.
Ediz Eren, regional VP Middle East for Rockwell Automation, discusses how the region is witnessing a remarkable shift towards digital transformation, driven by ambitious visions for economic diversification and modernisation
In recent years, the Middle East has been experiencing a significant shift towards digital transformation across various industries. Traditionally known for its oil and gas sector dominance, the region is now diversifying its economy and embracing technology-driven innovations to foster growth and competitiveness
A key driver of digital transformation in the Middle East is the region's vision for economic diversification and modernisation. Governments across the region have launched ambitious initiatives to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. These initiatives include investment in digital infrastructure, development of smart cities, and promotion of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Like other global economies, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in the region, as organisations have had to adapt rapidly to remote work, digital communication, and online services. This has led to a greater appreciation for the benefits of digitalisation, including increased efficiency, flexibility, and resilience. Organisations invest in cloud computing, big data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital platforms to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive innovation.
Saudi Arabia, for example, is aggressively advancing its manufacturing sector through digitalisation, aiming to expand from 10,000 to 36,000 facilities by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030. Rockwell Automation, a key supporter, recently launched its Digital Center of Excellence in Dammam, strengthening its commitment to the Kingdom. The Center focuses on process industries such as oil and gas, mining, and water, accelerating Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and optimising maintenance operations.
It is not all about technology
While Rockwell has a suite of solutions that cover the entire lifecycle of a manufacturing facility, a successful digital transformation requires more than that. A vital component often overlooked is the people involved in the facility, who frequently feel threatened by adopting automation and data-driven processes.
As digitalisation, automation, and robotics increase in manufacturing companies, workers express growing concerns about potential job displacement, loss of autonomy, and the need for upskilling. One primary apprehension among workers is the fear of job loss due to automation replacing traditional manual tasks. This concern is compounded by the perception that machines are increasingly capable of performing tasks previously carried out by humans. This shift can lead to feelings of disengagement and decreased job satisfaction among workers.
The increasing reliance on digitalisation also raises concerns about the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling. Many workers feel unequipped to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape, leading to anxiety about job security and future employability. Addressing these concerns requires proactive measures from manufacturing companies, including investment in training programmes, transparent communication about the role of technology in the workplace, and efforts to involve workers in the digitalisation process to mitigate fears and foster a culture of collaboration and adaptation.
The importance of effective change management
Change management is pivotal in successfully implementing digital transformation initiatives within manufacturing companies. Change management helps create awareness and understanding among employees about the need for digital transformation and its benefits to the organisation. Clear communication about the transformation's goals, objectives, and expected outcomes helps to alleviate uncertainty and build buy-in from employees at all levels.
It serves as a guiding framework for navigating the complexities of digital transformation, ensuring that organisational goals are achieved and employees are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.
Some organisations look to pilot projects to provide a controlled environment to test new technologies, processes, and strategies before implementing them on a larger scale. These small-scale initiatives allow organisations to assess feasibility, identify potential challenges, and refine their approach, ultimately minimising risks and maximising the success of broader transformation efforts. However, as, by definition, they are small, they have a limited role in wider workforce acceptance.
Their prime benefit is their ability to demonstrate tangible value and ROI to stakeholders within the organisation. By focusing on specific use cases or areas of improvement, pilot projects can showcase the potential impact of digital solutions on productivity, efficiency, quality, or cost savings. This empirical evidence is essential for garnering support and securing buy-in from decision-makers and frontline employees.
The region is witnessing a remarkable shift towards digital transformation, driven by ambitious visions for economic diversification and modernisation. Governments are spearheading initiatives to foster innovation and technological advancement. Overall, digital transformation presents challenges and opportunities for the Middle East, highlighting the importance of proactive strategies and strong partners to address workforce concerns and maximise the benefits of technological innovation.
More than 175 people, including senior representatives of the region's leading oil and gas companies, attended a very topical and engaging live webinar hosted by Oil Review Middle East entitled “Beyond Boundaries: Advanced Surveillance for Oil and Gas Remote Facilities”
KBR has announced that its blue ammonia technology has been selected by Shell for its Blue Horizons low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia project in Duqm, Oman
The facility will utilise KBR's leading ammonia synthesis loop technology to deliver cost-competitive and low-carbon intensity ammonia. KBR will provide licensed proprietary engineering design for the 3,000 metric tons per day ammonia plant utilising hydrogen produced by Shell's Blue Hydrogen technology.
"We are excited to work with Shell on this breakthrough project in Oman and contribute towards achieving Oman's Vision 2040 targets," said Jay Ibrahim, president, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. "Our blue ammonia technology allows our clients to implement their energy transition projects with a cost-competitive solution at the lowest carbon intensity."
KOC contract
This news follows KBR’s earlier announcement that it has been awarded an advisory consulting contract by Kuwait Oil Company for the development of a country wide masterplan for the production of 17GW of renewables and 25GW of green hydrogen by 2050. KBR will provide advisory consulting services to develop a phased strategy for the deployment of wind and solar power, combined with power storage capability. The renewable power capability will be linked to the production of green hydrogen for internal industrial use, as well as for export purposes.