Saudi Aramco’s Uthmaniyah Gas Plant (UGP) has been recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a “Lighthouse” manufacturing facility and a technology leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Saudi Aramco is the first energy company in the world to be included in this select group of manufacturing sites. The plant is also the only WEF recognised facility in the Middle East.
The announcement was made before the WEFs annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
The gas plant is one of the largest gas processing plants in the world. In 1981, it was commissioned as part of Saudi Aramco’s Master Gas System to process associated gas from oil wells.
The use of drones and wearable technologies to inspect pipelines and machinery has helped to reduce inspection time by 90 per cent in this industrial facility.
Amin H. Nasser, CEO of Saudi Aramco, said, “The recognition of the Uthmaniyah Gas Plant demonstrates Saudi Aramco’s shift to transform and adapt in the rapidly changing global energy landscape. Uthmaniyah is only one part of our large integrated energy value chain where IR 4.0 technologies are playing a critical role to enable significant capital and operational efficiencies. “
“Through the application of IR 4.0 technologies, we can be at the forefront of the industry helping to shape the future of energy as part of Saudi Aramco’s mission to supply oil and gas around the world safely and reliably,” he added.
The seven new facilities joined nine other ‘Manufacturing Lighthouses’, which WEF launched in September 2018. The 16 factories were selected from an initial list of 1,000 manufacturers based on their successful implementation of cutting-edge technologies of the future that have a financial and operational impact.
The 'Lighthouse' programme was conducted by WEF in collaboration with McKinsey during a year-long study. A study team visited UGP in Saudi Arabia and performed a thorough audit.
