Energy companies are playing a leading role in supporting high-tech energy infrastructure projects in Nigeria and across Africa, according to the head of research and development at one of the leading multinational investors in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry speaking at Gitex Technology Week.
Nigeria’s ambitious $3 billion energy modernisation programme aims to expand the electricity supply, create more efficient energy production and usage, and increase rural and semi-urban power access from 35% to 75%.
Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, and the world’s fourth-largest liquefied natural gas exporter, according to the United States Energy Information Administration. Pascal Dauboin, Senior Advisor for Digital Technologies at Total, believes oil and gas companies experiences of working in a multinational and multicultural context can help drive innovation across energy sector.
“In today’s interconnected world, the ability to find, share, and integrate knowledge from across the spectrum is essential,” said Dauboin, who presented at Gitex Technology Week.
“The oil and gas industry is rapidly undergoing a digital transformation, with a rapid uptake in innovative technologies that are driving digital oilfields. TOTAL is at the forefront of adopting innovations such as drones, robotics, and early event detection systems to monitor and repair infrastructure, while new generations of sensors enable the development of new products for real time, on-line analysis, following the always increasing safety and quality requirements. Digitally transformed processes will increase performance, robustness and safety in many industrial domains, while building the job skills of tomorrow,” added Dauboin.
To promote international interest in ICT opportunities in Nigeria and across the continent, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency hosted an Africa Investment Forum at Gitex 2016.
“From digital oilfields running on drones and robotics, to smart grids distributing electricity generated from renewable energy, the energy sector in Nigeria and Africa hosts tremendous investment opportunities,” said Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency.
“Dubai connects Africa to global investors and companies. The energy, oil, and gas sector in Nigeria and Africa is rapidly undergoing digital transformation, and key players can discover the latest innovations and business opportunities at Gitex Technology Week,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President for Exhibitions and Events Management at the Dubai World Trade Centre, which hosts Gitex Technology Week.
