Embed AI in downstream operations for a sustainable tomorrow

The collaborative, ethical, and secure implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential for the downstream industry. With a focused commitment to robust infrastructure, skilled talent, and seamless data integration, the sector is well-positioned to harness AI to enhance operational resilience and drive sustainable growth, said industry leaders during a panel discussion, AI in downstream: transforming operations and driving efficiency, at ADIPEC on Wednesday.

Moderated by Eithne Treanor, Founder & CEO of E Treanor Media, the panel featured key industry voices and discussed the various challenges the industry faces in embedding AI technology and fully realising its potential.

“The future of humanity depends on the future of energy,” said Sultan Al Bigishi, CEO, ADNOC Refining, emphasising the role of AI in ADNOC’s downstream strategy. Bigishi added that AI is no longer just a supplement but an essential component, offering a “clear lifeline” for the refining industry. As global pressures intensify, with shutdowns and mounting regulations, AI presents a powerful tool to “unlock value, enhance growth, and ensure relevance in the future.”

Navigating AI’s challenges: Uncertainty, cybersecurity, and skills

Bassam Al Bokhari, CEO of EnergyTech, pointed at ‘uncertainty’ as one of AI’s major hurdles. He noted that while AI can bridge gaps between asset owners, digital developers, and cybersecurity teams, it’s the ambiguity around investments and skill requirements that challenges stakeholders. “It’s a culture; it’s people, leadership, in addition to the technology,” he said, highlighting the critical human and organisational aspects that must accompany technological advancement.

Anant Maheshwari, President & CEO of Global High Growth Regions at Honeywell, expanded on this, explaining AI’s broader applicability across sectors. “AI enables efficiencies in three main areas: assets, processes, and people. It’s about how you can get a lot more return on investment,” he explained, noting that AI can optimise operational costs, reduce downtime, and aid in knowledge transfer between experienced and junior operators — a vital capability in an industry grappling with talent shortages.

Breaking silos and building a robust data infrastructure

Afaf Zainalabedin, Deputy CEO of BAPCO, underscored the importance of breaking traditional silos in refineries to leverage AI fully. “AI opens a broad spectrum where people can use the technology to turn things around,” she said, adding, BAPCO’s integration of AI through initiatives such as digital twin and reverse engineering has allowed the 90-year-old refinery to optimise operations and predict maintenance needs.

Omar Althukair, Chief Digital Officer at Saudi Aramco, highlighted the role of robust data infrastructure in maximising AI’s potential. “Data is the foundation for any digital transformation,” he said, explaining that Aramco has established a Corporate Data Office to oversee data governance and quality across the enterprise.

Deterministic AI in refining operations

Discussing the need for precision, Maheshwari talked about the concept of “deterministic AI” for refineries, contrasting it with the probabilistic AI used in consumer applications. “In a refinery, you can’t take probabilistic decisions,” he explained, pointing out that in high-stakes environments, deterministic AI ensures reliable recommendations based on defined datasets. This approach brings together process technology, control systems, and broader population data for specific and effective applications.

Addressing cybersecurity concerns

As AI permeates operations, cybersecurity has become paramount. Althukair noted that cyber threats have evolved to target AI vulnerabilities, explaining that Saudi Aramco’s “Eye on AI” initiative focuses on secure AI model development and protection. The framework prioritises security measures across the AI lifecycle, from creation to retirement. “AI security is totally different from classical application security,” he remarked, emphasising the need to cultivate specific talent and international partnerships to safeguard AI-driven systems.

Embracing AI for safety and operational efficiency

AI has revolutionised safety and efficiency across refineries. Kamil Al Shanfari, Managing Director of OQ Refineries, shared that OQ’s use of AI-driven video analytics has allowed for real-time safety monitoring, with cameras detecting and alerting personnel to unsafe conditions. “It’s amazing how fast it recognises the unsafe conditions,” Al Shanfari observed, highlighting AI’s potential to pre-empt incidents and enhance safety protocols.

Zainalabedin too cited a successful AI application in Bahrain where sensors, robotics, and AI algorithms helped mitigate risks in a tank decommissioning, ensuring no lives were endangered. “AI should enable us to undertake tasks that we don’t want our personnel exposed to, allowing us to operate safely without endangering lives. Lives have been lost in the past in the hydrocarbon industry. We want to prevent that in the future, and this enhances confidence and attracts people to work in the industry, knowing they can return home safely,” she remarked, noting AI’s invaluable role in safety and confidence-building among personnel.

Charting the way forward

In their closing remarks, the panellists called for urgent action to embed AI across downstream operations. “Encourage innovation and do it quickly for a sustainable environment,” said Zainalabedin, advocating for a results-driven approach. Althukair stressed the importance of “developing human capital” and choosing “the correct use cases that provide the big fit,” while Maheshwari focused on agility, stating, “The question is no longer whether or when to use AI but how quickly and effectively.”