The signing of the agreement. (Image source: Pasqal)

Saudi Arabia is set to get its first quantum computer, following the signing of an agreement between Aramco and Pasqal

Under the agreement Pasqal, a global leader in neutral atom quantum computing, will install, maintain and operate a 200-qubit quantum computer, which is scheduled for deployment in the second half of 2025.

Pasqal and Aramco intend to leverage the quantum computer to identify new use cases, and are looking to establish a centre for quantum research within Saudi Arabia, involving leading academic institutions.

Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco EVP of Technology & Innovation, said, “Aramco is delighted to partner with Pasqal to bring cutting-edge, high-performance quantum computing capabilities to the Kingdom. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, we believe it is crucial to seize opportunities presented by new, impactful technologies and we aim to pioneer the use of quantum computing in the energy sector. Our agreement with Pasqal allows us to harness the expertise of a leading player in this field, as we continue to build state-of-the-art solutions into our business. It is also further evidence of our contribution to the growth of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia.”

Georges-Olivier Reymond, Pasqal CEO & co-founder, said, “The era of quantum computing is here. Through this partnership, we'll be at the forefront of accelerating commercial adoption of this transformative technology in Saudi Arabia. This isn't just any quantum computer; it will be the most powerful tool deployed for industrial usages, unlocking a new era of innovation for businesses and society.”

BrightTEK is engineered to address the growing need for advanced wireless communication solutions in industrial environments. (Image source: AMETEK LMS)

AMETEK Level Measurement Solutions (LMS) has launched BrightTEK, a state-of-the-art wireless Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution designed to redefine operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in various industries

Initially available for the North American market, BrightTEK leverages wireless technology to facilitate seamless data transmission from AMETEK LMS branded transmitters — including Magnetrol, Orion Instruments, Drexelbrook, SWI and B/W Controls, offering visibility to key variables to help optimise on-site operations. It transmits data wirelessly directly to the customer-facing BrightTEK webserver, addressing the increasing demand for advanced wireless communication services in industrial environments. The BrightTEK webserver provides real-time insights into process variables such as tank levels, volume and location data. With customisable notifications, alerts, and alarms, users can proactively manage their operations, supply chain, and inventory.

BrightTEK introduces two cutting-edge uplink options; the ST95 battery-powered cellular uplink providing power and monitoring to sensors in remote locations without the need for wired connections; and the ST90 AC powered host, which offers the same features as the ST95 in a compact, rugged design.

AMETEK datacentres are certified SOC 2 Type 2 and SOC 3 (Tank Monitoring).

Key advantages

Key advantages include:
• Cost savings: By eliminating the need for extensive wiring, BrightTEK significantly reduces both installation costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
• Direct labour efficiency: The platform's wireless connectivity minimises labour and travel intensity required for monitoring and maintenance, especially in remote locations.
• Enhanced reliability: BrightTEK simplifies the communication infrastructure, streamlining data transmission and reducing the risk of system failures.
• Remote monitoring: BrightTEK offers continuous monitoring for improved operational efficiency and allows for immediate response to alarms or changes from anywhere, reducing downtime.

The new solution helps customers address losses while drilling. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Halliburton has introduced SentinelCem Pro cement system to help customers address losses while drilling

SentinelCem Pro cement simplifies mixing operations by eliminating the need for pre-hydration of the slurry design and access to high-purity water sources. This feature facilitates more efficient rig operations with the option to direct mix the system on-the-fly or in a batch mixer. The single-sack packaging facilitates storage in offshore and remote locations.

The thixotropic nature of SentinelCem Pro cement allows the system to stay fluid while pumped into lost-circulation zones and to rapidly gel when pumping stops. This feature enables the system to penetrate deep into fractures and vugular formations to mitigate costly drilling fluid loss to the formation. The system’s early compressive strength development enables a quick return to drilling operations.

Portfolio addition

The SentinelCem Pro system is an addition to Halliburton’s lost circulation portfolio, which addresses a wide range of lost circulation issues. Lost circulation is commonly encountered in drilling and cementing operations and can be a costly challenge to overcome. 

“Lost circulation is the main contributor to costly nonproductive time (NPT) in well construction,” said Matt Lang, vice president of Cementing, Halliburton. “SentinelCem Pro cement safely pumps through the bottom-hole-assembly to help customers quickly address lost circulation events and reduce NPT."

The solution will help clients optimise and accelerate their AI workloads. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

CGG, a global technology and HPC leader, has launched its AI Cloud solution, to help data-intensive industries such as life sciences, digital media, manufacturing and geoscience optimise and accelerate their AI workloads

The solution combines the latest high-performance architecture, including cutting-edge NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs fully configured and optimised for AI finetuning and inference, with a pre-installed software environment that can be tailored for each client. Clients can also combine AI cloud with CGG’s results-based Outcome-as-a-Service (OaaS) offering. To keep pace with the evolution of AI technology, CGG, in collaboration with its partners, will continually develop its AI Cloud environment with optimised hardware and innovative software.

Agnès Boudot, EVP, HPC & Cloud Solutions, CGG, said, “Demand for AI, data science and HPC workloads is growing exponentially as forward-looking companies seek to harness the power of deep learning, large language models and large-scale intelligent data processing to automate and revolutionise their complex business tasks to drive innovation and stay competitive. In response, CGG has launched its AI Cloud offering to provide the end-to-end AI solutions they need to efficiently streamline these workloads while meeting sustainability commitments.”