The Use of 5G Technologies in the Digital Transformation of the Oil/Gas Industry

Abstract

Many oil & gas companies embarked on their Digital Transformation (DX) journeys with rapid adoption of emerging digital technologies. Successful digital transformation initiatives are necessary for Oil/Gas Companies to improve efficiencies, streamline their operations and meet pressing challenges for cost reduction, increased efficiency, and improved safety. Oil & Gas fields and processing facilities require robust and reliable telecommunication infrastructure to support the application of much needed digital technologies. The availability of high-speed connectivity has been a challenge for many Oil/Gas companies operating in remote or hazardous locations. The latest Fifth Generation cellular technology (5 G) addresses such essential Oil/Gas requirements as increased speeds/bandwidths, very low network latencies, ultra-reliable communications, and the capacity to handle large number of users. 5G is designed around following technologies: Small (micro) cells requiring less power,Higher frequencies offering bigger data handling capacities,Cloud and Edge Computing for low network latencies and added security. These 5G design features will enable numerous Oil/Gas applications such as Industrial Robots/Drones, Virtual/Augmented Reality, Video Surveillance with Artificial Intelligence (AI) features (Face Recognition, Object Recognition & intelligent Image processing), Remote Asset Management, Industrial IoT communication between Sensors, Gateways and Device Controllers, Pipeline Leak Detection Systems, Telemetry and SCADA. 5G is therefore poised to be a key enabler in Digital Transformation. The UAE has an advanced telecom infrastructure that offers customers high speed fibre optic connectivity. UAE telecom operators have also been quick to deploy 5G in main cities. Etisalat for example is running a 5G pilot on Das Island with ADNOC Offshore and a major Network Supplier to test potential use cases of the technology in the O&G industry. The push for 5G in O&G will benefit from cooperation between the O&G industry, the telecom operators and technology providers. The role of Governments and the Telecom Regulators can further accelerate adoption through allocation of frequency spectrum to enable 5G Private Network model of deployment. The private network model is crucial for the Oil & Gas industry in view of the special requirements, nature and remoteness of oil and gas installations.