Recent developments
AI in operations
AI continued moving from pilots to embedded operations. SECCO Petrochemicals adopted Clariant’s CLARITY Prime digital services to optimize a 900-KTA ethylene unit, combining tools such as the Virtual Hydrogen Analyzer and upset prediction. ADNOC and SLB launched the AI-powered Production System Optimization platform across upstream assets. Siemens and Capgemini agreed to co-develop AI-native digital solutions for engineering and manufacturing. Worley emphasized emissions management via its EmissionsView platform for gas and LNG operators.
Smarter assets and utilities
Smart-asset deployments spanned chemicals, water, and power. LOTTE Chemical’s Indonesia complex integrated AIM solutions for smart plant operations and flexible LPG feeds. Belmont Desalination Plant operations sit within Veolia’s new Australian contracts, including on-site solar. UPM Energy activated an ultracapacitor at the Kuusankoski hydropower plant with digital automation for grid balancing. ADNOC’s Ruwais LNG project will run on clean power and apply AI. MAIRE and NEXTCHEM advanced plans with EDF and the NUWARD Small Modular Reactor for low‑carbon chemistry and data centers.
Digitalized R&D and manufacturing
R&D workflows and product design saw further digitalization. FRONTEO will apply its Drug Discovery AI Factory with UBE to surface unreported disease–target relationships, with UBE generating optimized compounds. Symrise added formula prediction to Symvision AI for data‑guided flavor development. Lilly announced a Netherlands oral‑medicines site featuring dock-to-dock automation, paperless manufacturing, and process analytics.
Supply chains and procurement
Asset integrity and procurement processes adopted more digital tools. Sumitomo, Nippon Steel, and Shell plan to leverage digital technologies to enhance traceability within a renewed OCTG framework. Iberdrola deployed an Intelligent Bid Evaluation Platform using generative AI to standardize bid reviews. ADNOC signed framework agreements spanning integrated control and safety systems with automation suppliers. AIQ and Gecko Robotics will roll out the Cantilever operating system on ADNOC Gas assets. Kulzer GmbH sharpened customer trend analysis through digital transformation while restructuring.
Policy and energy–AI nexus
Sector dialogues and transactions emphasized AI–energy interdependence. ADNOC, Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft announced a strategic agreement to enhance AI deployment and support data‑center growth. The Powering Possible report found most leaders view AI as key to energy transformation, with cybersecurity the top hurdle. Abu Dhabi hosted the ENACT Majlis on AI and energy integration. The EU cleared joint ventures for CO2 transport and storage projects and Spanish data centers. Aramco noted a planned investment in HUMAIN, aligning with its digital strategy.