In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) announced on Tuesday the remarkable achievement of generating $500 million (Dh1.84 billion) through the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in 2023. This milestone, coupled with the abatement of up to 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions between 2022 and 2023, highlights Adnoc’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
The impressive financial gain stems from the integration of over 30 cutting-edge AI tools across Adnoc’s entire value chain, revolutionizing field operations and expediting corporate decision-making processes. Notably, these initiatives have resulted in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing around 200,000 gasoline-powered cars from the roads.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, emphasized the pivotal role of AI in driving a just, orderly, and equitable energy transition. He underscored Adnoc’s strategic focus on integrating AI across its operations, from the control room to the boardroom, to enhance safety measures, protect the environment, and optimize resource utilization.
The announcement was made during Adnoc’s Leadership Forum, where employees convened to discuss strategic priorities and initiatives aimed at transforming, decarbonizing, and future-proofing the company. The deployment of AI solutions is part of Adnoc’s overarching strategy to ensure a secure, reliable, and responsible supply of energy while reducing carbon intensity and mitigating environmental impact.
Across Adnoc’s upstream operations, AI applications are revolutionizing subsurface resource mapping, drilling optimization, and reservoir management, enabling the company to bolster production capacity efficiently and sustainably. The Centralized Predictive Analytics and Diagnostics (CPAD) program, a flagship AI initiative, has significantly minimized unplanned shutdowns, streamlined maintenance activities, and enhanced operational efficiency, thus maximizing energy production while minimizing emissions.
Furthermore, AI technologies are instrumental in supporting Adnoc’s ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and near-zero methane emissions by 2030. Tools such as Emission X leverage historic and real-time data to predict emission sources up to five years in advance, empowering operators to proactively address environmental challenges. Developed by AIQ, a joint venture between Adnoc and G42, Emission X exemplifies the innovative solutions driving Adnoc’s transition towards a more sustainable future.
In addition to emissions management, AI-powered systems like SMARTi and AR360 enhance safety measures, optimize reservoir development, and improve operational efficiency. SMARTi employs computer vision technology to detect safety hazards, while AR360 visualizes reservoirs and streamlines planning processes. Meanwhile, Robowell facilitates remote equipment operation, reducing costs, enhancing safety, and increasing production capacity across upstream facilities.
Adnoc’s success in leveraging AI to drive revenue growth and mitigate CO2 emissions underscores its leadership in adopting innovative technologies to address pressing environmental challenges while ensuring continued operational excellence in the energy sector. As Adnoc continues to pioneer sustainable practices and embrace digital transformation, it sets a compelling example for the global energy industry.
