Digital Technologies

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Advanced analytics for
optimization of yield, energy, and
throughput in downstream
Executive summary
◼ This use case refers to the use of advanced analytics modeling and optimization engines to
increase throughput and yield while reducing energy consumption in downstream units and
processes.
◼ There is an opportunity to deliver analytics-intensive services locally in Qatar, e.g.
 Data analytics on historical data and development of specific improvement cases
 Infrastructure implementation and monitoring dashboard development
 System integration (firewalls, protocols).
◼ Today, downstream players in Qatar perform production optimization tasks in plants mainly using
static models in addition to advanced process controls (APC).
◼ It will be possible to utilize more analytics to analyze larger data sets to be able to identify
unknown parameter dependencies and optimize in real time.
◼ Over the next five to seven years, the Energy sector is expected to spend a total of QAR 180M
on implementation and support for optimization of YET by rolling out in approximately 20
downstream plants.
◼ Incentives for local sourcing can be provided through land allocation in free zones, ICV
procurement schemes favoring localization, and ease of new business incorporation and new
employee visa requirements.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: ADVANCED ANALYTICS FOR OPTIMIZATION OF YIELD, ENERGY, AND THROUGHPUT 2
 Detailed opportunity description
Advanced analytics for optimization
of yield, energy, and throughput for refineries
• Text and petrochemicals plants
◼ Using the latest analytics engines, it will be possible to
 Identify nonobvious correlations that impact productivity,
uptime, and stability of processes.
 Perform real-time monitoring and pattern recognition of
thousands of variables simultaneously for known recurring
patterns of peak performance.
 Identify the best combination of all process parameters to
optimize yield, energy, and throughput.
◼ Implementation will require project-based consulting to acquire
and structure data as well as perform analytics and modeling
and change management.

Localization opportunity
Business scope

◼ Services required for advanced analytics include

 Data structuring, cleaning, and preparation
 Data analytics and modeling
 Change management and training
 Infrastructure implementation
 System integration (firewalls, protocols)

Out of scope

◼ Software and licenses

 Analytics platform for development and testing of new models
 Front-end visualization and applications for maintenance personnel

◼ Hardware
 Equipment, sensors, or operating technology
 IT infrastructure/infrastructure as a service (IaaS )

Capital intensity

Low (QAR 0-10M) Medium (QAR 10-50M) High (QAR 50M+)

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: ADVANCED ANALYTICS FOR OPTIMIZATION OF YIELD, ENERGY, AND THROUGHPUT 3
Market size
Estimated spend (Qatar only) on advanced analytics for optimization, QAR M

Implementation spend Ongoing support and maintenance

53
45 46
37
29 29 15
29
29
29 24 31
8 16
2018 19 20 21 22 2023

Plants rolled out for, number

2 6 10 14 18 20

Key highlights

◼ Today, refineries and petrochemical plants in Qatar perform production optimization mainly using
static models in addition to advanced process control (APC).
◼ However, the demand for AI-related services is currently nascent.
◼ Approximately 20 downstream plants in Qatar are expected to start spending on analytics
optimization, beginning with selected pilots in 2019.
◼ Implementation spend is forecasted to be a total of approximately QAR 120M in five years to
prepare data, build models, and implement systems across plants.
◼ Post-implementation, approximately QAR 30M/yr will be required to improve models, integrate
new data, and perform maintenance.
◼ There is potential for capturing market shares in a growing market for analytics services in Qatar.

Relevant stakeholders
Potential buyers*

All players with

refineries or
petrochemical plants

Other process
industries

*Examples shown not exhaustive

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: ADVANCED ANALYTICS FOR OPTIMIZATION OF YIELD, ENERGY, AND THROUGHPUT 4
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DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: ADVANCED ANALYTICS FOR OPTIMIZATION OF YIELD, ENERGY, AND THROUGHPUT 5
Email: tawteen@qp.com.qa | Website: https://tawteen.com.qa