Aramco’s Abqaiq facility added to WEF Global Lighthouse Network

The World Economic Forum has recognized a third Aramco facility, Abqaiq, for its pioneering adoption and integration of cutting-edge technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The Abqaiq oil processing facility, the largest oil processing plant in the world, joins Aramco’s Uthmaniyah Gas Plant and Khurais oil complex in the Forum’s prestigious Global Lighthouse Network. Global Lighthouse status is awarded to projects that demonstrate leadership in 4IR technologies to transform factories, value chains and business models.

Abqaiq is one of 21 new facilities added to the network, taking the total number to 90 worldwide, and Aramco is the only international energy company to be recognized.

Aramco’s Digital Transformation vice president, Nabil Al-Nuaim, said: “We are delighted to be recognized once again for our adoption and deployment of cutting-edge technologies. That three of our key facilities have been added to the Global Lighthouse Network in less than three years is a testament to the importance we place on our Digital Transformation Program – and the rapid pace at which it is advancing. Through pioneering the large-scale use of 4IR solutions, such as Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Internet of Things (IioT), automation and robotics, we are setting new benchmarks for global industry. In the process, we are achieving significant improvements in cost, efficiency, product quality, energy consumption and environmental performance.”

Abqaiq is a cornerstone of Aramco’s operations and produces Arab Light Crude Oil, Arab Extra Light Crude Oil, Gas Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL). The facility provides around 5% of global oil supplies.