WEG Integrated Drives Enhance UAE’s Sustainable Procurement

WEG, a global manufacturer of gearboxes, electric motors and variable frequency drives, is playing a key role in reducing the environmental impact of a major oil and gas organisation’s onshore operations in the UAE.

By supplying integrated drive solutions, WEG is ensuring increased reliability, safety and efficiency for the organisation’s water injection processes.

This project marks a significant step for both sustainable energy production and procurement strategies in the UAE and wider Middle East, where efficiency, longevity and cost-effectiveness are key factors in sourcing industrial solutions.

Procurement driving UAE’s sustainable water injection

The US$2.4bn project is set to establish a state-of-the-art seawater treatment facility and transport network designed to enable more sustainable water injection processes.

Water injection is a widely used technique in upstream oil and gas production, deployed to maintain reservoir pressure and enhance oil recovery. Conventionally, this process has relied on deep aquifer water with high salinity, but the new infrastructure will use treated seawater instead, reducing energy consumption by up to 30%.

This shift to a more energy-efficient approach aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to integrate sustainability into procurement and operational strategies. The project will be fully powered by renewable energy, delivering more than 110 million imperial gallons of nano-filtered seawater per day.

The infrastructure will span 75 kilometres of transportation pipelines, more than 230 kilometres of distribution pipelines and two pumping stations.

At the centre of this system, WEG’s solutions will drive the water injection pumps. The company is providing 21 integrated drive packages that include WEG M-Line 6.6kV medium voltage motors with power ratings between 6.63MW and 11.97MW, medium voltage MVW01 variable speed drives (VSDs) and oil-type phase-shifting transformers.

A standout innovation in WEG’s offering is its newly developed arc-resistant VSD, designed specifically for this project. The drive is engineered to absorb explosions caused by electrical arcs, a crucial safety measure for pump operators and maintenance teams working on-site. Additionally, an integrated touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) ensures easy programming and real-time monitoring of performance parameters.

Strategic procurement for industry 4.0 and sustainability

Across the Middle East, procurement strategies in the industrial sector are shifting towards sustainability and smart manufacturing. The UAE’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) strategy plays a key role in this transition, focusing on automation, robotics and sustainable energy solutions.

To accelerate this transformation, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development launched the Smart Manufacturing Competence Centre and the Smart Manufacturing Incentive Programme in 2023. These initiatives are designed to encourage businesses to integrate advanced technologies and sustainable practices into their procurement and operational strategies.

The UAE government has also allocated AED10bn (US$2.72bn) to expand its manufacturing sector, with the aim of reaching AED172bn (US$46.78bn) and creating 13,600 skilled jobs by 2031.

Furthermore, Abu Dhabi’s non-oil exports are projected to increase by 143% to AED178.8bn (US$48.58bn) over the same period.

For procurement teams operating in the oil and gas sector, sourcing solutions that balance sustainability with durability is crucial. Technologies like WEG’s integrated drive systems, which offer energy efficiency and long-term reliability, align well with these objectives. By investing in solutions designed for extreme environments, organisations can meet their sustainability targets while maintaining high operational performance.

Tailored solutions for Bu Hasa’s harsh environment

Abu Dhabi remains the centre of the UAE’s oil and gas production, with onshore drilling focused primarily in Bu Hasa. This field, the largest onshore site in the capital, produces up to 650,000 barrels of oil per day. Given its location in the Arabian desert, any equipment used in the field must withstand extreme conditions.

WEG’s solutions have been carefully designed with these environmental challenges in mind. The motors can endure temperatures up to 55°C and are IP55-certified, ensuring protection against dust and water ingress. Their robust carbon steel frames enhance structural rigidity, reducing vibration and improving operational stability.

Additionally, WEG has optimised its designs to minimise energy losses and maximise efficiency, a key consideration for procurement teams looking for cost-effective and sustainable solutions. By integrating high-quality materials and advanced engineering, WEG’s equipment delivers long-term value while supporting the broader sustainability goals of the UAE’s oil and gas sector.

Kiran Kumar, HVS Development Sales Manager for HVS Motors & Drives, highlights the significance of the project: “We believe this project can play a major role in advancing sustainability in the region. We worked around the clock to secure our participation, including designing an arc-resistant VSD product specifically for this project.

“Our integrated solution team worked closely with all stakeholders to design a solution that met the required specifications. Our ability to deliver an integrated drive package and our timely delivery were decisive factors in the award of this project.”

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