The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognised Aramco’s Khurais oil facility as a leader in the adoption and integration of cutting-edge technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
Khurais is the company’s second facility, after Uthmaniyah Gas Plant, to be included in WEF’s prestigious Global Lighthouse Network, a community of world-leading companies that have succeeded in the adaptation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution at scale. The goal of this community is to share and learn from best practices, support new partnerships and help other manufacturers deploy technology, adopt sustainable solutions and transform their workforces.
Amin Nasser, president and CEO of Aramco, said, “We are delighted to be recognised once again by WEF for our deployment of cutting-edge technologies. Aramco continues to push the envelope of technological innovation in the energy sector and, through the adoption of 4IR solutions, we have achieved significant gains at our facilities in terms of efficiency, safety and environmental performance.
“Khurais is the largest intelligent oilfield in the world, harnessing advances in Big Data analytics, machine learning, smart sensors and robotics. This recognition of Khurais exactly one year to the day since it was targeted in a 2019 attack is a clear indication of our team’s ability to record the highest level of achievement, despite the most difficult challenges.”
The Khurais oilfield has more than 40,000 sensors covering more than 500 oil wells spread over 150km x 40km. This has enabled autonomous process control, remote operation and monitoring of equipment and pipelines, resulting in maximising oil well production, with at least 15% attributed to smart well completion technology alone.
Khurais was one of 10 facilities added to the Global Lighthouse network this year, taking the total number to 54 worldwide. Uthmaniyah Gas Plant was included in 2019, meaning Aramco is one of only nine companies represented in the WEF network by more than one facility, and the only major energy company in the network.
“In the face of unprecedented disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, these manufacturers have found ways to improve sustainability, competitiveness and customer satisfaction,” commented the World Economic Forum in relation to the 10 facilities added to the network this year.
