PETRONAS, CelcomDigi collaborate to advance 5G based transformation and sustainability for energy sector

• Explore potential techno-digital efforts using 5G to spur continuous improvements
• Openness of Petronas to explore new approaches for work, innovation reflects a mindset

PETRONAS and CelcomDigi have announced a two-year collaboration to accelerate digital transformation and sustainability efforts for the energy industry, leveraging the power of 5G, the companies said in a joint statement.

The collaboration was formalised through a MoU signed by Aadrin Azly, Petronas’ Vice President of Group Technology and Commercialisation; Albern Murty, CelcomDigi’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and Shah Yang Razalli, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Gentari and Chief Executive Officer of Gentari Green Mobility.

The collaboration will see both sides explore potential techno-digital industrial efforts using 5G to enable continuous improvements across Petronas’ operations.

Additionally, the collaboration will also seek opportunities to integrate clean energy solutions into CelcomDigi’s enterprise offerings to drive adoption among Malaysian businesses.

Aadrin said, “Petronas plays a major role in supporting the national technology agenda towards fortifying Malaysia's international standing in innovation. We pioneered the adoption of 5G technology for enterprise in Malaysia last year when we successfully adopted the 5G private network at the Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) and witnessed increased efficiency in our operations.”

Aadrin expressed hope over the opportunity offered through the partnership in expanding the power of 5G for Petronas and the wider community. “We envision building a robust network infrastructure that’s able to cater to the growing demand for reliable access to high-speed internet within the oil and gas sector.”

Albern said, “The MoU presents an opportunity to accelerate the modernisation of oil and gas operations powered by 5G connectivity. In the last five years, we have worked closely with Petronas to implement private 4G LTE networks on offshore platforms and test digital use cases. Together, we have realised practical digital applications for rig operations; for example, what used to be an edge test case of ‘connected rig workers’ is now a must-have to keep rig workers productive and safe.”

According to Albern, the openness of Petronas to explore new approaches for work and innovation reflects a mindset that will drive momentum for their collaboration.

Solid partnership track record sets strong foundation to accelerate digital adoption

Petronas and CelcomDigi have a longstanding partnership, which began in 2019, with the implementation of the first private 4G LTE network on Angsi, one of the largest offshore platforms for Petronas. Since then, the collaboration has resulted in 21 fully 4G connected offshore platforms. Additionally, both parties also collaborated to improve and optimise connectivity infrastructures in Petronas plants – enabling consistent connectivity to power digital solutions that enhance the operational efficiency of plants.

The latest project is the deployment of the first full-fledged private 5G network on Kasawari Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Petronas’ flagship offshore platform near Sarawak. Leveraging 5G and best practices in oil and gas solutions, Kasawari will be a test bed for 5G use cases, activating more digital innovations.

Both  parties believe that, building on the strong foundation of deploying private networks in the last five years, successful use cases can be adopted, paving the way for Petronas to modernise its operations and unlock new sustainability practices rapidly.