Transforming Riyadh into a Sustainable Smart City
Yokogawa Electric has secured a contract through its subsidiary, Yokogawa Saudi Arabia, to provide integrated control systems for the main command center of the Green Riyadh project. This national initiative, led by the Saudi government, is a central component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to transform Riyadh into one of the world’s most livable cities. The project focuses on urban greening, sustainable infrastructure, and improved quality of life for residents.
Ambitious Urban Greening Targets for 2030
The Green Riyadh project plans to plant 7.5 million trees across parks, public spaces, medical centers, and along roadways by 2030. This initiative will increase per capita green space from 1.7 square meters to 28 square meters. Trees will be irrigated using treated wastewater, ensuring sustainable water use. Moreover, urban forestry will enhance air quality, reduce city temperatures, lower energy consumption, and promote healthier lifestyles for residents.
Advanced Integrated Monitoring Systems for Water Infrastructure
Yokogawa supports the project by deploying an integrated monitoring system for water infrastructure management. The OpreX™ Collaborative Information Server and OpreX Smart Manufacturing Center serve as the command center’s core platform. These systems consolidate diverse urban data, including environmental sensor readings, weather forecasts, and operational databases. As a result, real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and informed decision-making optimize irrigation, park lighting, and water resource management.
Scalable Architecture for Future City-Wide Integration
The system design is scalable, allowing seamless integration of additional city-wide asset management systems in the future. This flexibility ensures that the Green Riyadh initiative can evolve while maintaining centralized control and operational efficiency. Yokogawa’s integrated approach exemplifies modern industrial automation practices applied at the urban infrastructure level.
Yokogawa’s Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development
Kuniaki Harano, Representative Director and CEO of Yokogawa Electric, stated: “We are honored to contribute to this major urban transformation. Our goal is to connect independently operated systems into a unified platform, creating synergy and delivering new value. Yokogawa will continue to support similar initiatives globally.”
About Yokogawa Electric
Founded in 1915 in Tokyo, Yokogawa Electric provides advanced measurement, control, and information solutions for industries including energy, chemical, materials, pharmaceutical, and food production. With over 128 offices in 62 countries and more than 17,000 employees, the company leverages digital technologies to help clients optimize production, assets, and supply chains, driving the transition to autonomous operations.
Practical Application: Smart Water and Energy Management
In the Green Riyadh project, integrated industrial automation enables precise irrigation scheduling, energy-efficient lighting, and real-time water resource management. Such applications demonstrate the value of PLC, DCS, and control systems in achieving sustainable urban development. Cities worldwide can replicate these practices to improve environmental and operational outcomes.