Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has partnered with UAE operator group Etisalat by e& to establish the energy sector’s largest private 5G network, covering 11,000 square kilometers. This groundbreaking network will span ADNOC’s onshore and offshore operations, providing IoT connectivity for sensors embedded in over 12,000 wells and pipelines.
The 5G-connected sensors will transmit data to autonomous control rooms equipped with AI, enabling real-time recommendations to extend the lifespan of ADNOC’s field assets and ensure safety. The network will facilitate the digitalization of wellheads, providing comprehensive visibility over operations and driving productivity across ADNOC’s entire value chain.
ADNOC’s strategy integrates AI solutions at its remote facilities to reduce costs through automation, improve efficiency, minimize emissions, and enhance workplace safety, aligning with its ambition to become “the world’s most AI-enabled energy company.”
“Global demand is rising for both energy and AI, so by investing in cutting-edge connectivity across our operations, we can ensure that we continue providing secure, reliable and responsible energy to our customers,” stated Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC’s MD and Group CEO.
The project, expected to be completed by 2025, is projected to generate AED5.5 billion (US$1.5 billion) in value during its first five years of operation.