Ahmad Shammari: Pioneering the Path to Sustainable Energy Solutions
The oil and gas industry, once a realm dominated by heavy machinery and steadfast routines, is now at the crossroads of transformation. No longer just about extraction and production, the sector is grappling with an evolving mission: how to fuel the world while embracing the future. With sustainability taking center stage and technology reimagining every process, it’s clear that the industry’s old guard must adapt to survive. Here, innovation isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Among the trailblazers leading this shift is Ahmad Shammari, whose vision not only anticipates where the industry is headed but actively designs the path forward.
Over his 23-year career, Ahmad, Principal Production Engineer at SLB, has witnessed a significant transformation in the oil and gas industry. He highlights the integration of data analytics, digital sensors, cloud infrastructure, and more recently, AI, as key factors that have revolutionized the sector. Today, the industry heavily relies on digital technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety, enabling the adoption of best practices to minimize environmental impact and emissions.
Steering Oil and Gas Toward a Greener Tomorrow
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Ahmad emphasizes the stark contrast between the past and present. Compared to a century ago, when exploration, drilling, and produced water management were highly detrimental to the environment, the oil and gas industry now employs cutting-edge digital technologies at every operational phase to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Ahmad believes that the oil and gas sector underpins the comfortable, affordable, and prosperous lifestyle we enjoy today. He feels that his role within this vital industry contributes to the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of people worldwide.
Turning Carbon Challenges into Climate Solutions
Ahmad acknowledges the undeniable reality of global warming, noting that Earth’s temperature has been steadily rising for several decades, with the increase becoming exponential over the last 100 years. This rise in temperature has been directly linked to the increased rates of gas emissions such as CO2 and methane. He recognizes that various industries, including the oil and gas sector, contribute to these emissions.
However, Ahmad highlights that major energy companies, including SLB, have recently implemented significant measures to reduce emissions and are committed to developing new technologies for CO2 and methane detection, transport, and storage. These companies are dedicated to producing hydrocarbon energy in the most efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly manner. He emphasizes that innovation plays a crucial role in this endeavor, with experts, scientists, and engineers working closely with specialized companies and organizations in the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) domain.
Innovating for a Resilient and Sustainable Energy Future
Ahmad explains that his business, which focuses on flow assurance and production engineering software, has been less affected by challenges such as fluctuating prices, geopolitical shifts, and environmental concerns. However, in times when these challenges do have a negative impact, the company remains focused on its long-term vision and commitment to building high-quality functionalities at the most efficient investment cost. Being part of a large multinational corporation like SLB has enabled the business to navigate market fluctuations over the past two decades. During the pandemic, for example, when many companies reduced budgets and focused on cost control measures, SLB continued to invest in digital enablement and the oil and gas software business, recognizing that the market would eventually recover and companies would continue to partner with them.
He also reflects on the significant contribution of the oil and gas industry to the global economy. The industry has been a cornerstone, providing essential energy supplies for transportation, heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes, all of which are crucial for modern economies. It also has a substantial economic impact on many countries, contributing to GDP, employment, and government revenues. As the industry transitions to cleaner energy sources, Ahmad believes it can play a crucial role by investing in renewable energy. He envisions companies leveraging their expertise in large-scale projects to develop sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen. Furthermore, the industry can implement technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), ensuring a smoother transition to sustainable energy while maintaining its economic contributions. Ahmad emphasizes that balancing the industry’s traditional role with these new responsibilities will be key to its continued success.
Ideal Integration of Technology
Ahmad shares insights into how SLB is leveraging digital transformation, including AI and IoT, to enhance operations and drive efficiency. In his business line, Digital and Integration, SLB is at the forefront of utilizing these technologies to improve the oil and gas industry. By integrating AI, SLB automates tasks, optimizes processes, and accelerates decision-making. One of their AI solutions, the Lumi data and AI platform, transforms raw data from various sources into trusted insights, enabling better decision-making across subsurface and surface operations. This platform addresses key industry challenges, accelerating digital transformation and maximizing data-driven decision-making.
In addition to AI, SLB is pioneering edge AI and IIoT solutions to enhance safety, optimize resource utilization, and drive operational excellence. These technologies convert complex data into actionable insights, helping to create a more efficient future for the energy sector. SLB’s edge AI solutions enable real-time remote operations and intelligent asset management, bridging the gap to more sustainable and safer operations while reducing the carbon and human footprint.
One of SLB’s recent innovations is the Neuro Autonomous Geosteering, an AI-driven solution designed to revolutionize drilling operations. This technology integrates and interprets complex real-time subsurface data, dynamically guiding the drill bit to stay within the most productive reservoir layers. Ahmad concludes that by embracing these digital technologies, SLB is not only improving operational efficiency but also contributing to a safer and more sustainable energy industry.
Cultivating Talent, Technology, and Inclusion in Energy
Ahmad acknowledges that attracting and developing talent in the oil and gas industry is becoming increasingly challenging, especially among younger generations who prioritize sustainability and technology. To address this, SLB emphasizes the advanced technologies it employs, such as AI and IoT, and highlights how these innovations are solving industry challenges. The company also underscores its commitment to sustainability and the role its software plays in reducing environmental impact, which resonates with environmentally conscious candidates. Ahmad explains that SLB focuses on building a strong brand by
sharing success stories, employee experiences, and innovative projects through social media and the company’s website. Clear career development opportunities, such as training programs and mentorship, are offered to attract ambitious individuals, while a positive workplace culture that values teamwork, recognizes achievements, and promotes work-life balance is cultivated. SLB also engages with educational institutions by offering internships and collaborating on research projects to connect with young talent early. These efforts are aimed at attracting and retaining individuals passionate about technology and sustainability, helping the company remain competitive and innovative.
In terms of diversity and inclusion, Ahmad highlights SLB’s active initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace and promote diverse leadership. The company recognizes diversity and inclusion as critical to driving creativity and innovation. SLB recruits globally, ensuring a rich mix of nationalities and backgrounds, which contributes to a truly inclusive culture. As of the end of 2023, women represented around 25% of SLB’s salaried workforce and 30% of its executive leadership team. The company focuses on creating an inclusive environment through unconscious bias training, diversity quotas, and programs that support minorities. Additionally, SLB engages in workshops and panel discussions to share best practices and promote inclusion within the industry. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where all employees can thrive.
Quest for Smart Energy and Lasting Impact
Looking to the future, Ahmad predicts that several innovations and technologies will shape the oil and gas industry in the next decade, particularly AI, IoT, and advanced robotics. AI and machine learning will play a pivotal role in optimizing exploration and production processes, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time data analysis. IoT will enhance remote monitoring and operational efficiency by providing real-time insights into equipment and environmental conditions, while advanced robotics will improve safety and efficiency in subsea exploration and pipeline inspections. To prepare for these changes, SLB is actively integrating these technologies into its operations. The company’s AI-driven solutions, such as the Lumi data and AI platform, transform raw data into actionable insights, improving decision-making across subsurface and surface operations. Additionally, SLB is leveraging edge AI and IIoT solutions to drive operational excellence and optimize resource utilization. SLB’s Neuro Autonomous Geosteering technology, which uses AI to guide drilling operations, is another example of the company’s innovative approach to ensuring optimal reservoir management. Through these initiatives, SLB is positioning itself to lead the way in the evolving energy landscape.
Leaving a Transformative Legacy in Energy and Sustainability
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Ahmad hopes to leave a legacy as a leader who has contributed significantly to the oil and gas industry, particularly in the areas of technology and sustainability. Throughout his career, he has been highly active on professional social media, sharing knowledge through webinars and technical workshops that reach thousands of students, young professionals, and experts globally. His technical papers and multiple patents reflect his dedication to innovation. Ahmad takes great pride in his leadership in the development of Pipesim software, which has become an industry standard for flow assurance and production optimization. Witnessing the growth of this product and seeing more clients adopt it brings him immense satisfaction. Ahmad feels fulfilled knowing that his contributions have played a role in the journey toward sustainability and clean energy, all while maintaining the accessibility of affordable energy for the world. His work is not only a professional achievement but also a personal one, as he believes it has helped make a positive impact on global energy solutions.
