Global Automation and Energy Management leader, Schneider Electric, has called for a 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), Damiete Thomas, Process Automation Specialist, Schneider Electric, said that there is an 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 (CPI).
He said, “There is an imperative need to incorporate proven and reliable smart solutions on 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 center of implementing artificial intelligence enabled and 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. Either deployed independently or as a combined solution, the AVEVA and Prisma Photonics solutions are designed to effectively monitor these infrastructures, with their integrated cybersecurity features that will ensure greater efficiency and reliable security solutions,” He explained.
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 stated that they are involving key stakeholders like NNPCL (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited), upstream operators, and regulatory authorities, including pipeline companies like WAPCO (West African Gas Pipeline Company), Umugini Pipeline Infrastructure (UPI) and pipeline construction companies as well as Oilserv Limited, for the design and construction phases to laying a proper foundation for a “Unified Pipeline Operation Center.”
Speaking further, Damiete highlighted the significance of intelligence in predicting potential threats, “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 will be cyber-attacks that could shut down the entire economy of the nation unless a demanded ransom is paid to cyber criminals. “That is why Schneider Electric is engaging stakeholders to implement advanced cyber-secure solutions alongside the sensing and monitoring solutions on the pipeline,” He noted.
Schneider Electric pointed to successful implementations of the technology outside Nigeria, citing the example of ADNOC in Abu Dhabi.
Country President, Schneider Electric, Ajibola Akindele stated, “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 centers, infrastructure, and industries.