How Delek USA is Innovating the Refining Industry: Ido Biger's Vision for the Future

In recent years, the refining industry has witnessed substantial transformation, driven by the rise of innovative technologies and forward-thinking strategies. At the forefront of this change is Delek USA, a company committed to revolutionizing the energy sector. In his keynote speech at the Mind the Tech NY conference in 2023, Ido Biger, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Delek USA, shared valuable insights into the company’s recent technological advancements and its investments aimed at addressing critical challenges in the refining industry.

Since December 2022, Delek USA has made notable strides in its commitment to technological innovation, investing in 12 companies with a specific focus on refining. Biger’s address sheds light on the company’s efforts to solve key operational problems in refining and how they are embracing cutting-edge technologies to streamline operations and enhance safety. One of the most prominent solutions the company has found involves autonomous drone technology developed by Percepto, an Israeli company that provides industrial-grade surveillance using drones.

Delek USA’s Commitment to Technological Innovation in Refining

Delek USA, a company with a significant presence in refining, gas liquefaction, and water desalination, continues to place refining at the core of its operations. With an annual revenue of $12 billion, Delek USA operates multiple facilities, each facing unique challenges that require innovative solutions. Ido Biger’s speech focused on how the company is addressing these challenges through investments in emerging technologies and strategic partnerships.

One major issue the company identified is the siloed nature of refineries, where each facility operates as an independent entity managing its own supply chains, maintenance, and repairs. This disjointed approach not only leads to inefficiencies but also hinders the potential for greater synergy across operations. In response, Delek USA sought innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety.

Percepto: The Game-Changing Drone Solution for Refineries

One of the key solutions that Delek USA has adopted is the use of autonomous drones developed by Percepto. These drones are specifically designed to monitor industrial sites, including refineries, power plants, and chemical facilities. Unlike traditional methods, the drones operate autonomously, taking off, patrolling predetermined routes, and returning to recharge without the need for human operators on-site.

What sets Percepto’s drones apart is their ability to function in challenging conditions, such as night-time operations and adverse weather. The drones collect data and, with the help of advanced sensors, generate real-time insights. This allows refineries to identify potential issues—such as safety risks or maintenance needs—before they become significant problems. For example, in one case, the drone system detected a methane gas leak within hours, preventing potential environmental and financial damages.

Impact on Delek

Since integrating

In a significant milestone, Chevron, an energy giant, recently signed a deal with Percepto, highlighting the growing industry-wide interest in adopting autonomous drone technology for refinery management.

What Undercode Says: A Closer Look at Industry Innovation

Delek USA’s investment strategy and adoption of innovative technologies highlight the importance of forward-thinking solutions in a traditionally conservative industry. The refining sector, historically slow to embrace change, is now undergoing rapid technological advancements. Delek USA’s proactive approach in identifying and investing in promising technologies demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

The collaboration with Percepto illustrates a broader trend of increased automation in industrial sectors, aiming to improve safety, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency. Autonomous drones, for example, offer a cost-effective and scalable solution to the challenges faced by refineries, particularly in terms of safety monitoring and maintenance.

Moreover, the ability to manage operations remotely allows companies like Delek USA to reduce downtime and improve decision-making by utilizing real-time data insights. This represents a shift towards more data-driven management practices, a trend that is likely to continue as more industries embrace digital transformation.

From a strategic standpoint, Delek USA’s investments in emerging technologies also position the company to be a leader in the next phase of energy production and refinement. By diversifying its approach with gas liquefaction, water desalination, and innovative refining technologies, Delek USA is not only optimizing its current operations but also future-proofing itself against industry disruptions.

The Role of Israeli Startups in Global Technological Innovation

The collaboration with Percepto also shines a light on the critical role Israeli startups play in global technological innovation. Israel is known for its thriving startup ecosystem, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and industrial automation. Percepto’s success in revolutionizing refinery monitoring is just one example of how Israeli companies are making a global impact. Delek USA’s partnership underscores the value of leveraging international expertise to solve complex industrial challenges.

As the energy sector continues to evolve, partnerships between large corporations and agile startups will be crucial for driving technological advancements and creating solutions that address pressing environmental and operational concerns.

Fact Checker Results

Delek USA’s investment in 12 companies since December 2022 is accurate.
Percepto’s technology is indeed used for autonomous drone surveillance of industrial sites, including refineries.
Chevron’s recent partnership with Percepto aligns with the reported developments in the refining sector.