UAE-based ADNOC revealed a significant carbon capture initiative on Wednesday, ahead of the UN climate discussions in Dubai scheduled in a few months.
The plan involves collecting carbon dioxide emissions from Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas processing facility and securing them indefinitely underground, as per the announcement.
This project aims to seize up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, which will amplify ADNOC’s carbon capture ability threefold. It is recognized as one of the most extensive efforts in the MENA region
Musabbeh Al Kaabi, the executive director of Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth, stated, “As ADNOC continues its transformation towards a lower carbon future, it is our intention to make further investments to significantly reduce our emissions, including in carbon capture and storage.”
Details regarding the investment’s cost or schedule were not disclosed. The operation will be overseen by ADNOC Gas and will encompass carbon capture machinery, pipelines, and a CO2 injection well system.
The endeavor is part of ADNOC’s strategy to sustain its top spot in generating “low carbon-intensity barrels” of fuel, according to the announcement.
The UAE, a major global oil producer, champions carbon capture techniques as a means to lessen greenhouse gas emissions while continuing fossil fuel extraction.
However, this strategy sparks debate, with detractors highlighting the challenges in capturing sufficient quantities and calling for a shift away from hydrocarbons.
The decision of the UAE to organize the COP28 climate sessions in the year’s final months, chaired by Sultan Al Jaber, the nation’s climate representative and ADNOC’s chief, has drawn criticism from environmental advocates.
