Vertical: Oil & Gas
Application: Improve efficiency
Ecosystem: TM
Private Network: 5G
In a significant move towards digitalization in the energy sector, Malaysian energy giant Petronas and telecommunications provider Telekom Malaysia (TM) have successfully deployed and launched a private 5G network at Petronas’ LNG Complex in Bintulu, Sarawak. This development marks a crucial step in enhancing operational efficiency and productivity in one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants.
A few of the key highlights include:
- The Petronas LNG Complex in Bintulu, with an annual production capacity of 29.8 million tonnes, is now equipped with a state-of-the-art private 5G network.
- This deployment is the fourth private 5G network for Petronas, following their first implementation at the Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in 2022.
- The 5G network is expected to streamline workflows, automate data collection, and enhance safety across all operational levels.
Abang Yusuf Abang Puteh, Senior VP of LNG assets at Petronas, emphasized the transformative potential of this technology: “The integration of 5G with IoT, AI, and automation will streamline workflows, increase productivity by automating data collection, while enhancing safety across all levels.”
TM’s group CEO, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, added that the enterprise 5G application is expected to provide “highly secure reliable connection, real-time monitoring and analytics as well as remote maintenance.”
This deployment aligns with the Malaysian government’s push to promote private 5G networks as a key growth area. The Digital Ministry, in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has been working since May 2024 to create policies encouraging private 5G rollouts for industrial use cases across various sectors.
Petronas and TM have expressed their intention to explore further opportunities for expanding the distribution of private 5G networks to additional sites. This expansion aims to drive greater integration and efficiency across the energy industry.
Additionally, Petronas is collaborating with other telecom providers, such as CelcomDigi, to explore potential use cases where 5G and digital technologies could improve operations.
