AVEVA’s innovative solutions transform legacy energy infrastructure, enabling GCC companies to optimise operations, reduce emissions, and build sustainable systems for a decarbonised future

Digitalisation has become one of the most powerful enablers of the global energy transition, helping companies enhance efficiency, cut emissions, and transform traditional infrastructure for a more sustainable future.

In the Gulf, where energy security and decarbonisation are equally pressing priorities, these technologies are rapidly reshaping the sector.

Speaking exclusively to OGN energy magazine, Michele Cacciari, Global Head of Energy Industry at AVEVA, outlines how the company’s solutions from the industry-leading PI System to advanced predictive analytics, and Unified Engineering are supporting regional energy players in accelerating their digital journey.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

Digitalisation is often cited as a key enabler of decarbonisation. How is AVEVA helping energy companies, particularly in the Gulf, to leverage digital tools to transform legacy infrastructure and meet ambitious sustainability goals?

Our portfolio can be thought of in three main areas: Data infrastructure, applications, and engineering tools.

The first is data infrastructure, where our PI System plays a fundamental role. We acquired PI a few years ago, and it has become the backbone of how we help customers.

Decarbonisation has two sides: Reducing emissions from today’s energy system and building the energy system of the future.

To address the first, the starting point is always measurement. You cannot reduce what you cannot measure. With PI, companies can collect data, identify sources of emissions and energy use, and then manage, monitor, and calculate them in real time.

On top of this infrastructure, we have a layer of applications. Three stand out in terms of immediate value for emissions reduction: Predictive analytics, process optimisation, and planning and scheduling.

Technology can make the difference by enabling better decisions earlier

Predictive analytics and process optimisation, once considered in isolation, are now being combined.

This combination improves reliability, avoids unplanned shutdowns, which typically cause flaring, a major source of emissions and enables operators to run processes at optimal levels. For example, not running a compressor at full speed when it isn’t required.

A good example is ADNOC’s Neuron 5 programme, where we are collaborating with them.

They are applying precisely this blend of predictive analytics and optimisation. It means avoiding flaring, reducing unnecessary power consumption, and ultimately cutting emissions.

The third element, planning and scheduling, is also crucial. It helps operators select the right feedstock and plan production in a way that minimises overall emissions.

Previously, this was viewed purely as an optimisation exercise; today, it is also about environmental impact.

Another dimension of our work is in designing the energy system of the future. Here, our engineering tools particularly Unified Engineering and Process Simulation come into play.

They allow plants to be designed and executed in the most efficient way, delivering both a physical and digital plant in parallel.

The digital twin that results is not a nice-to-have; it is operationally ready from day one, ensuring plants run efficiently for decades.

So, in summary, we are enabling energy companies to make today’s systems both, cleaner and more efficient, and to prepare future systems to be digital, flexible, and sustainable.

There is growing concern that energy transition efforts are not keeping pace, despite huge investments. How can technology help the industry achieve net zero?

Technology can make the difference by enabling better decisions earlier. Process simulation, for example, allows companies model potential environmental impacts and carry out feasibility studies before committing major capital.

A strong case is a customer of ours, an oil and gas operator, that adopted a fully data-centric approach from the very start of a project.

Thanks to the granularity of insights they gained before the final investment decision, they actually decided not to proceed, because the environmental impact would have been too high.

That shows the power of digital tools - not just to optimise projects, but to avoid mistakes before they happen.

In practical terms, how much time and cost can be saved by adopting this data-centric, digital approach?

We estimate that a full end-to-end data-centric approach can reduce total installed costs by around 15 per cent.

Roughly 3 per cent of that comes in the early front-end engineering design phase, 6 per cent during detailed design, and the remainder from more efficient procurement and construction.

Better planning and procurement mean less waste and fewer unnecessary purchases.

Construction also benefits from improved planning, avoiding clashes and conflicts that traditionally delay projects.

But the real value is not limited to Capex. While construction may take three to five years, an asset operates for 20 to 50 years.

By creating a digital twin at handover, companies ensure efficiency throughout the lifecycle of the asset. So, the benefits compound, making the savings in Opex far greater than the initial Capex gains.

Some companies may be reluctant to share data, fearing risks around confidentiality or competition. How do you view this challenge?

We understand that data sharing is sensitive. However, by working in a trusted ecosystem, companies can control what data is shared and with whom.

Our role at AVEVA is to ensure that data exchange happens securely and in a governed way, so organisations remain confident while still unlocking the efficiency gains that collaboration brings.

Of course, technology alone isn’t enough. Business processes and mindsets must also evolve. Some operators may initially be reluctant to share data, but attitudes are shifting.

Fifteen years ago, for example, 3D models were seen as something only EPCs needed internally.

Today, owner-operators demand them because they see the value. I believe we will see the same evolution with broader data sharing.

Legacy oil and gas facilities face unique challenges in adopting low-carbon technologies. How is AVEVA addressing this?

Older facilities often lack sensors or sufficient data capture, which can make digitalisation harder. But it is not a barrier.

Through initiatives like ADNOC’s Neuron 5, we are showing that predictive analytics and optimisation can be applied to existing assets.

The focus is on improving efficiency and reliability, even with limited instrumentation, so emissions can still be reduced significantly.

What role does AVEVA play in green hydrogen development?

Green hydrogen is a natural extension of our work. We have developed dedicated functionality within our process simulation tools to model hydrogen processes accurately.

Once designed, these projects can then move seamlessly into Unified Engineering for execution. AVEVA PI System again plays a role by managing operational data.

So, whether it’s traditional hydrocarbons or emerging fuels like hydrogen, the workflow - simulation, engineering, execution, optimisation - remains consistent.

How do you see AVEVA’s digital offering evolving to meet the dual demands of energy security and sustainability?

The two are inseparable. Energy security means plants must run reliably; sustainability means they must do so efficiently.

Through a combination of process efficiency, asset reliability, and power optimisation - particularly with our ETAP integration, we provide solutions that cover all three. This ensures that plants stay operational, while also lowering emissions.

In the Gulf, there is growing interest in converting oil into chemicals. Is AVEVA involved in this segment?

Yes, although projects are still in the design phase. We are working with EPCs engaged in this transition.

The technologies - simulation, Unified Engineering, optimisation- are the same, and they are directly applicable to chemicals. Given the expected growth in this sector, it is an area where we anticipate playing a major role.

By Sree Bhat