Qatar Shell Advances Sustainability and Innovation at Global Energy Forum

Doha, Qatar - Qatar Shell recently took part in Shell’s flagship innovation event, Changemakers of Tomorrow 2025, held over two days in Bangalore, India. The event brought together more than 10,000 participants from Shell’s global ecosystem startups, technology partners, energy experts and industry leaders to explore the future of energy through exhibitions, panel sessions, and collaborative dialogue.

At the heart of Qatar Shell’s presence was its ongoing push in digital transformation, sustainability, and cultivating new talent. The delegation spotlighted the Pearl GTL facility’s elevation to World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Lighthouse status—the first Shell site and first Qatari facility to receive that distinction.

Pearl GTL Earns Global Lighthouse Status

During the event’s award segment, Pearl GTL was formally recognised as a member of the WEF Global Lighthouse Network, becoming the first Shell facility and the first site in Qatar to attain this honor.

The Global Lighthouse Network comprises industrial sites leading the way in technology adoption, operational excellence, sustainability, and workforce transformation. In 2025, Shell’s Pearl GTL was among 12 new sites admitted to the network.

Pearl GTL’s recognition stems from its large-scale implementation of over 45 advanced digital solutions, including AI-driven analytics, predictive maintenance, digital twin platforms, real-time integrity monitoring, and other Industry 4.0 tools. These initiatives have delivered measurable gains in productivity, reliability, emissions control, and cost efficiency.

As part of the Lighthouse distinction, performance improvements at Pearl GTL include:

• Throughput increase of around 9 percent
• Reliability reaching 99 percent
• Emissions reduction of about 7 percent
• Extension of equipment life by up to 50 percent

Beyond recognition, the nomination places Pearl GTL in a global community of leading industrial sites able to benchmark and share best practices in digital transformation.

Qatar Shell at Changemakers of Tomorrow

Throughout the event, Qatar Shell emphasised how its digital strategy is deeply integrated across operations. The Pearl GTL team discussed their experience in scaling more than 45 advanced digital technologies covering analytics, real-time monitoring, maintenance optimization, and AI frameworks.

The narrative at the event underlined that effective change is not just about deploying tools, but aligning technology, leadership, culture, and people to act together. Qatar Shell highlighted this holistic approach to transformation during its participation.

Startup Engagement and Collaboration

A key component of the event was the Shell.ai Futures Pitch – Qatar Edition, hosted in partnership with the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). This competition provided a stage for startups to propose novel AI and energy-sector solutions.

QSTP’s involvement reinforced its mission to develop an AI and machine learning innovation ecosystem in Qatar, particularly for downstream oil and gas and related fields.

By participating in such collaborative initiatives, Qatar Shell strengthens its role not only as a technology adopter, but also as a platform-builder in the regional innovation landscape.

Strategic Alignment and Future Implications

Qatar Shell’s active engagement at Changemakers of Tomorrow aligns with broader national objectives—especially the Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable development, human capital growth, and economic diversification.

The event allowed Qatar Shell to:

• Deepen connections with global tech and energy partners
• Share practical learnings from digital deployments
• Position itself as a leader in regional energy transformation

With the WEF Lighthouse recognition and elevated profile in Shell’s global innovation network, Qatar Shell is now better positioned to drive more ambitious transformation initiatives, both in Qatar and internationally.