Yokogawa Powers Riyadh’s Green Transformation with Integrated Control Systems

Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has signed a major contract with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to deliver integrated control systems for the Green Riyadh project. This initiative is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to transform Riyadh into one of the world’s most livable cities. By 2030, the project will plant 7.5 million trees, expanding per capita green space from 1.7 m² to 28 m². Treated wastewater will be used for irrigation, ensuring sustainability and resource efficiency.

Environmental and Social Impact

The large-scale greening effort will improve air quality, reduce urban heat, lower energy consumption, and promote healthier lifestyles. In industrial automation terms, this project represents a city-scale application of control systems to manage environmental assets. As a result, Riyadh will benefit from enhanced resilience against climate challenges while fostering economic and social sustainability.

Integrated Control and Monitoring

Yokogawa will deploy its OpreX Collaborative Information Server and OpreX Intelligent Manufacturing Hub as the unified platform for the project’s command center. These systems will integrate data from environmental sensors, weather forecasts, and operational databases, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. From my perspective, this is a textbook example of system-of-systems integration, where independent subsystems—such as irrigation, water management, and lighting—are unified for holistic urban control.

Scalability and Future Expansion

The platform is designed for scalability, allowing future integration of additional city assets. This flexibility ensures that the Green Riyadh project can evolve into a comprehensive smart city infrastructure. In industrial automation, scalability is critical—projects of this magnitude must adapt to changing demands without costly redesigns.

Yokogawa’s Strategic Vision

Kunimasa Shigeno, President and CEO of Yokogawa Electric, emphasized the company’s commitment to system-of-systems methodology. This approach connects independently managed systems to create synergy and new value. In my view, Yokogawa’s involvement highlights a growing trend: automation vendors are moving beyond factories into urban infrastructure, applying industrial-grade control systems to city-scale sustainability projects.

Application Scenarios

• Smart Irrigation: Optimized water distribution using treated wastewater.

• Urban Lighting Control: Energy-efficient park and street lighting.

• Environmental Monitoring: Real-time air quality and temperature tracking.

• Predictive Analytics: Forecasting resource demand and optimizing operations.

• Smart City Integration: Future expansion into transportation and utilities.

About the Author

Chen Hao  is an industrial automation specialist with 15 years of experience in PLC, DCS, TSI, and smart infrastructure projects. He contributes technical articles and industry insights to leading automation media, focusing on the intersection of factory automation and urban sustainability.