ABB secures key Central Asian digital refinery project

Shymkent plays a vital role in the country’s oil, gas and chemicals sectors which are the main drivers in a national economy that accounts for nearly two thirds of Central Asia’s entire GDP.

ABB’s ABB Ability solution will help effect a digital transformation of the refinery, using a combination of sensors, data and analytics to monitor assets in order to increase efficiency.

Managing director, ABB Energy Industries Kevin Kosisko commented: “ABB is uniquely positioned to drive and support the digital transformation of the chemical and refining industry in Kazakhstan, and it is exciting to contribute to the modernisation of Shymkent oil refinery.”

The Kazakh government’s ‘Digital Kazakhstan’ programme emphasises accelerating growth and elevating economic sectors through digitalisation, with a goal of establishing a digital economy by 2022.

At Shymkent oil refinery, digital transformation will aim to increase productivity and lower operational costs, with management and staff equipped to make better informed decisions based on accurate and live data and reporting.  

ABB will also provide a business consultancy service to owner PetroKazakhstan Oil Products (PKOP), supporting the project and promoting culture change.

This will include “assessing current work processes, leveraging opportunities to increase efficiency and resilience, recommending improvements and providing expert training” said the company.