Aramco is advancing its digital transformation strategy by achieving a new milestone in quantum computing, positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation energy technologies in the region. The Saudi energy giant is collaborating with global tech leader NVIDIA to expand the frontiers of computational innovation and enhance its exploration capabilities.
The Dammam-7Q Quantum Leap
Through its Upstream Digital Center (UDC), Aramco has developed one of the region’s largest quantum computing emulators, named the Dammam-7Q (DMM7Q). This powerful emulator is powered by the Dammam-7 Supercomputer and significantly enhanced by NVIDIA GPUs. Building on the legacy of Dammam Well No. 7, Saudi Arabia’s first commercial oil discovery, this initiative marks the next phase in Aramco’s data-driven approach to energy exploration.
Enhancing Seismic Imaging with Advanced Algorithms
Aramco is leveraging quantum computing to process highly complex seismic data and improve the accuracy of subsurface imaging, a critical capability for discovering and managing new energy reserves. In partnership with NVIDIA, the company is testing advanced algorithms, such as quantum Hadamard edge detection, which are specifically designed to enhance the resolution of seismic imaging by harnessing the power of quantum processors.
Leveraging NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q Platform
These pioneering efforts are powered by NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform, which facilitates GPU-accelerated emulation of future quantum hardware. This allows Aramco’s researchers to design, test, and validate complex quantum algorithms that can eventually operate on hybrid systems combining CPUs, GPUs, and dedicated quantum processors. Using CUDA-Q, Aramco has successfully emulated up to 30 qubits per GPU, scaling across multiple GPUs on the Dammam-7 system to identify 3D seismic faults from full datasets—a significant breakthrough in quantum-based upstream computing.
A Strategic Digital Transformation
Ashraf Al-Tahini, Vice President of Aramco’s Upstream Digital Center, stated that the center’s digital strategy is focused on advancing innovation through quantum computing and hybrid supercomputing technologies in collaboration with partners like NVIDIA. Tim Costa, Senior Director at NVIDIA, added that the partnership demonstrates the transformative potential of quantum research when integrated with advanced accelerated computing platforms.
About Aramco
Aramco is a global integrated energy and chemicals company. It produces approximately one in every eight barrels of the world’s oil supply and develops new energy and chemical technologies. The company is driven by the core belief that energy is opportunity and is committed to making a positive impact on a global scale.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
