It will span 11,000 km2 and should generate €1.39 bn in value by 2030 due to autonomous operations, fewer emissions and optimised production
ADNOC and e& are to build what they say is the energy industry’s largest private 5G wireless network, spanning 11,000 km2. ADNOC is a “diversified energy and petrochemicals group” wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The 5G network will deliver connectivity across ADNOC’s onshore and offshore operations. The idea is it will allow the energy firm to “to further integrate its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions at its most remote facilities and reduce costs through automation, improve efficiency, minimize emissions and enhance the safety of its people”.
The project is due to be completed in 2025 and expected to generate AED5.5 billion (€1.39 billion) in value during its first five years of operation.
The 5G network will relay information from sensors embedded in more than 12,000 wells and pipelines to autonomous control rooms, to help inform real-time recommendations and thereby increase the lifespan of these assets and improve safety in the field.
The network will also enable the digitalisation of wellheads and provide end-to-end visibility across operations with the aim of driving productivity across the company’s entire value chain
The 5G network forms part of ADNOC’s multi-year programme to accelerate the deployment of AI solutions across the company’s value chain and become the world’s most AI-enabled energy company.