Aramco and Yokogawa Achieve Breakthrough with AI-Driven Optimization at Fadhili Gas Plant
In a landmark achievement for industrial artificial intelligence (AI), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841), a global leader in process automation technology, has successfully deployed multiple autonomous control AI agents at Aramco’s Fadhili Gas Plant in Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking implementation marks a significant milestone in the use of AI to enhance operational efficiency in the energy sector. The AI solution, powered by Yokogawa’s proprietary Factorial Kernel Dynamic Policy Programming (FKDPP) algorithm, optimizes acid gas removal (AGR) operations at the facility, reducing energy consumption, chemical use, and manual operator intervention while improving process stability.
Pioneering AI Deployment in Industrial Automation
The deployment of AI agents at the Fadhili Gas Plant represents a major step forward in the transition from industrial automation to industrial autonomy (IA2IA). Yokogawa’s solution uses reinforcement learning-based AI algorithms to directly and autonomously control critical processes within the AGR unit. The implementation was carried out in three carefully planned phases, progressively optimizing various sections of the plant until full autonomous control of the core AGR process was achieved.
To ensure safety and reliability, Yokogawa first developed a digital twin—a high-fidelity simulator of the plant—to train the AI agents. This allowed the team to rigorously evaluate the agents’ performance and validate their ability to operate safely under real-world conditions. Once validated, the AI agents were seamlessly integrated with Yokogawa’s CENTUM VP integrated production control system, leveraging the existing plant’s safety functions to ensure secure operations.
Tangible Benefits and Operational Improvements
Early results from the Fadhili Gas Plant demonstrate the transformative impact of this AI-driven approach. Initial evaluations show a 10% to 15% reduction in amine and steam usage, approximately a 5% decrease in power consumption, and enhanced process stability. Additionally, the need for manual operator intervention has been significantly reduced, even in the face of fluctuating ambient conditions. These improvements not only optimize resource utilization but also contribute to greater sustainability and cost savings.
Khalid Y. Al Qahtani, Senior Vice President of Aramco Engineering Services, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Aramco is committed to deploying cutting-edge industrial AI applications across our operations to unlock value, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability. Our partnership with Yokogawa exemplifies how advanced technologies like AI can elevate performance and reinforce our leadership in the energy sector. This milestone is just the beginning as we explore further opportunities to harness innovation for a new era of industrial excellence.”
A Step Toward Autonomous Operations
For Yokogawa, this deployment underscores its vision of transitioning from traditional industrial automation to autonomous operations. Kunimasa Shigeno, Director, President & CEO, and Representative Executive Officer of Yokogawa Electric, expressed pride in the achievement: “We are honored to have been entrusted by Aramco to implement such groundbreaking technology in one of its key facilities. The results have already exceeded expectations, proving that Yokogawa is ready to lead the way in delivering safe and secure autonomous operations for plants in the energy sector. This success reinforces our commitment to advancing the IA2IA paradigm and driving innovation in industrial autonomy.”
The Role of FKDPP Technology
At the heart of this achievement lies Yokogawa’s FKDPP algorithm, a reinforcement learning-based AI technology designed to handle complex industrial processes. Unlike conventional control systems, which rely on pre-defined rules and human oversight, FKDPP enables AI agents to learn and adapt dynamically, optimizing operations in real time. By coordinating multiple AI agents, the system ensures seamless control of interconnected processes, delivering superior performance and reliability.
A Model for Future Innovations
The successful implementation of autonomous AI agents at the Fadhili Gas Plant sets a new benchmark for the energy industry. It demonstrates how AI can be harnessed to address pressing challenges such as energy efficiency, resource conservation, and operational complexity. As the world moves toward a more sustainable energy future, collaborations like this between Aramco and Yokogawa highlight the potential of AI to drive meaningful progress.
Both companies are now exploring opportunities to expand the adoption of AI-driven solutions across other facilities. This initiative aligns with Aramco’s broader strategy to leverage advanced technologies for operational excellence and sustainability. Similarly, Yokogawa aims to build on this success by promoting industrial autonomy as a cornerstone of modern plant operations.
About Aramco
As one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, our global team is dedicated to creating impact in all that we do, from providing crucial oil supplies to developing new energy technologies. We focus on making our resources more dependable, more sustainable and more useful, helping to promote growth and productivity around the world. https://www.aramco.com/
About Yokogawa
Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations.
Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,000+ employees in a global network of 128 companies spanning 62 countries.
For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com.
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