UAE oil company ADNOC pairs with e& to build private 5G wireless networks – DatacenterDynamics

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has paired with telco e& to build a private 5G wireless network that spans 11,000 square kilometers.

According to ADNOC, it will be the largest private 5G wireless network ever built in the energy industry.

The network will provide connectivity across ADNOC’s onshore and offshore operations, it said.

ADNOC noted that the private network will allow it to “further integrate its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions at its most remote facilities,” enabling it to reduce costs through automation, improve efficiency, minimize emissions, and enhance the safety of its people.

The project is expected to generate $1.5 billion in value during its first five years of operation, which is set to start next year.

“This landmark project with e& is a milestone step in ADNOC’s journey to become the world’s most AI-enabled energy company,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of industry and advanced technology and ADNOC managing director and Group CEO.

“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. As we grow our diversified energy portfolio, this strategic partnership will generate value and enable us to make faster, smarter decisions, from the control room to the boardroom, future-proof our business, and keep our people and the environment safe.”

Once complete, the 5G network will process information from sensors embedded in more than 12,000 wells and pipelines to autonomous control rooms. This will help the oil company make real-time recommendations to increase the lifespan of these assets and ensure safety in the field.

Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman of e&, added: “With connectivity being the backbone of technological advancements, we’re leveraging our expertise as a pioneer in network and AI innovations to drive breakthroughs in the energy sector and spur progress and success across industries.”