World Economic Forum recognizes QatarEnergy and Shell’s Pearl GTL as part of Global Lighthouse Network
Pearl GTL, the world’s largest gas-to-liquids
facility, has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as part of its
prestigious Global Lighthouse Network—the
first facility in Qatar to achieve this distinction.
The honor places Pearl GTL among a select group
of industrial sites worldwide that are pioneering large-scale adoption of
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. Operated by Shell on behalf of
the State of Qatar, represented by QatarEnergy, the facility has implemented
more than 45 advanced digital solutions, including AI-driven predictive
analytics, digital twin platforms, and real-time integrity monitoring.
Digital transformation at scale
Through these innovations, Pearl GTL has
recorded significant gains in reliability, emissions reduction, and operational
efficiency. The site now serves as a benchmark for how digital transformation
can drive excellence in safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency in heavy
industry.
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QatarEnergy’s strategic oversight has been central to this success, ensuring that Pearl GTL not only meets but exceeds international standards for sustainable energy production. Meanwhile, Shell has integrated its global expertise in digital innovation, with Pearl GTL earning recognition within the company as Asset of the Year for two consecutive years and Digital Asset of the Year in 2023.
“This
recognition is a milestone for Pearl GTL and a testament to the strong
partnership between Shell and QatarEnergy,” said Rob Maxwell, Managing
Director and Chairman of Shell Companies Qatar. “Being named to the Global Lighthouse Network highlights how
advanced digital technologies can transform efficiency, reliability, and
environmental performance across the energy sector.”
Driving Qatar’s innovation agenda
The recognition aligns with Qatar’s broader
push to adopt cutting-edge technologies. In 2024, Qatar launched the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(C4IR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and WEF to accelerate
digital transformation across key sectors and support the Qatar National Vision
2030.
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“Pearl GTL shows what can be achieved when visionary leadership and advanced technology converge,” said Dr. Abdulaziz Khalid Al-Ali, Director of C4IR Qatar. “This milestone not only sets new standards for industrial advancement but also reinforces Qatar’s leadership in sustainable energy and innovation globally.”
A global benchmark
Launched in 2018, WEF’s Global Lighthouse
Network recognizes industrial sites that achieve outstanding results in
productivity, resilience, customer value, sustainability, and workforce
development. The network now includes 201 sites across more than 30 countries
and 35 sectors, with 27 holding a special distinction in sustainability.
Kiva Allgood, Managing Director and Head of
the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains at WEF, congratulated
the new members: “These Lighthouse sites are
setting a new global standard for operational excellence and impact through
their forward-thinking use of technology.”
With this milestone, Pearl GTL not only
strengthens its role as a flagship asset for both QatarEnergy and Shell but
also cements Qatar’s position as a global leader in industrial innovation and
sustainable energy.
Source: The Peninsula