Petronas Digital, the digital arm of Malaysian energy group Petronas, has teamed up with Microsoft and Norwegian IT services provider Cegal to advance digital innovation for upstream energy value chain.

The firms will collaborate to develop Microsoft Azure high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure platform.

This platform is expected to support and scale several applications that would help in optimising operational efficiency of Petronas Upstream, including advanced AI, energy transition, machine learning, and decarbonisation use cases.

The Azure HPC platform is expected to support other Malaysian energy firms, including production agreement contractors, to meet their business objectives.

Petronas group technology and commercialisation vice-president Aadrin Azly said: “This collaboration has the potential to unlock new possibilities and drive innovation in the upstream value chain, leveraging on the domain expertise of Petronas, advanced capabilities of Azure’s HPC, AI Infrastructure solution and the expertise of Cegal.

“HPC and AI capabilities can further optimise the delivery of our energy offerings and innovate operations within the wider energy industry.”

Petronas said the partnership builds on its existing corporation with Microsoft and Cegal, which aims to improve exploration activities through greater cloud agility, automation, and data lifecycle management.

Microsoft Malaysia managing director K Raman said: "As a technology partner to Petronas, we are committed to help accelerate their innovation journey with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence and Microsoft Azure High Performance Computing solutions.

“Building upon our existing HPC engagement, this new collaboration will enable key technological advancements—delivering potential for growth and efficiency—both within Petronas’ Upstream business unit and for the overall energy sector.”