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By Omotunde Alawode
Global automation and energy management leader, Schneider Electric, has called for the widespread adoption of smart technology for resilient pipeline infrastructure to guarantee energy security and a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
Speaking at the Nigeria International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference (NIPITECS) recently, Damiete Thomas, process automation specialist, Schneider Electric, highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria’s energy security and sustainability for speedy industrialization and economic growth through the lens of securing the nation’s critical pipeline infrastructures.
He said, “There is an imperative need to incorporate proven and reliable smart solutions in our critical pipeline infrastructure, transporting hydrocarbons and petroleum products for domestic and export obligatory requirements. These technologies should be evaluated and made the basis upon which pipelines are conceptualized, designed, constructed and managed, to prevent frequent intrusion leading to operational failures as we are currently experiencing.
“Artificial intelligence technologies will enable accurate, real-time monitoring of the pipeline infrastructure, predict scenarios, forecast challenges and prevent a digital breach-cybercrime.
“Schneider Electric is at the centre of implementing artificial intelligence-enabled cybersecurity solutions, for accurate real-time and secure monitoring, that predict scenarios and forecast challenges on the pipeline infrastructures for effective and efficient operational gains. Whether deployed independently or as a combined solution, the AVEVA and Prisma Photonics solutions are designed to effectively monitor these infrastructures, with integrated cybersecurity features that will ensure greater efficiency and reliable security solutions.”
He explained that, as part of its commitment to energy security and sustainability, Schneider Electric focuses on early engagement in discussions on pipeline security technologies in the conceptualization of pipeline projects. Damiete mentioned involving key stakeholders like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, upstream operators, regulatory authorities, pipeline companies like West African Gas Pipeline Company, Umugini Pipeline Infrastructure and pipeline construction companies like Oilserv Limited in the design and construction phases, laying a proper foundation for a “unified pipeline operations centre.”
Damiete further highlighted the significance of intelligence in predicting potential threats, saying, “The growing concern of digital breaches and cybercrimes poses an even more dangerous threat than the physical incursion we see on our pipelines.”
He opined that the next phase of attacks on the pipeline infrastructure would be by cyber-attacks that could shut down the entire economy of the nation, unless ransom is paid to cybercriminals.
“That is why Schneider Electric is engaging stakeholders to implement advanced cyber-secure solutions alongside the sensing and monitoring solutions on the pipelines,” he said.
Reflecting, Schneider Electric pointed to successful implementation outside Nigeria, citing the example of ADNOC in Abu Dhabi. In response to these developments, country president, Schneider Electric, Ajibola Akindele, stated that, “The integration of advanced monitoring and cybersecurity solutions in pipeline infrastructure is crucial for our nation’s sustainable energy future. Schneider Electric’s commitment to securing our pipelines ensures not only operational efficiency but also the protection of our economic strength.”
Schneider Electric drives digital transformation by integrating world-leading process automation and energy management technologies, endpoint to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centres, infrastructure and industries.
