ADNOC’s West Aquifer CO2 Storage Site Certified by DNV, Advancing Middle East Carbon Capture Goals

ADNOC’s West Aquifer CO2 Storage Site Certified by DNV, Advancing Middle East Carbon Capture Goals

(IN BRIEF) ADNOC’s West Aquifer CO2 storage site in the UAE has received feasibility certification from DNV, marking a significant milestone in the Middle East’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) efforts. This certification validates the site’s potential for long-term CO2 storage and supports ADNOC’s goals to decarbonize its Ruwais industrial operations and expand its carbon capture capacity to 10 million tonnes annually by 2030. It aligns with ADNOC’s net-zero ambitions by 2045 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The project highlights the critical role of CCS in reducing emissions and sets a benchmark for sustainable energy initiatives in the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 25-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a landmark achievement for the Middle East’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives, ADNOC’s West Aquifer CO2 storage site in the UAE has been certified for feasibility by DNV. This certification marks a crucial milestone in ADNOC’s mission to decarbonize industrial operations and aligns with its target to achieve net zero by 2045, supporting the UAE’s broader Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

The certification, issued under the DNV-SE-0473 framework and based on ISO 27914 standards, validates the preliminary assessments of the Simsima and UER saline reservoirs. It is a critical step toward ensuring the long-term viability of CO2 storage at the site, which will play a pivotal role in decarbonizing ADNOC’s Ruwais industrial complex.

Santiago Blanco, DNV’s Executive Vice President and Regional Director for Energy Systems in Southern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, highlighted the significance of this milestone:
“This certification demonstrates ADNOC’s commitment to addressing climate challenges and underscores the UAE’s leadership in CCS technologies. The West Aquifer project exemplifies how CCS can drive the energy transition and support sustainable solutions in hard-to-abate sectors.”

According to DNV’s 2024 Energy Transition Outlook, CCS technologies are critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting global net-zero targets. ADNOC, already a global leader in CCS deployment, plans to expand its carbon capture capacity to 10 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

Hanan Balalaa, ADNOC’s Senior Vice President for New Energies, emphasized the company’s commitment:
“This certification builds on our established expertise in carbon capture and underscores ADNOC’s role in delivering decarbonization solutions at scale. We will continue collaborating with our partners to develop and deploy CCS technologies as part of our broader sustainability strategy.”

The certification process involved a rigorous assessment of technical feasibility, ensuring the site’s readiness for safe and effective CO2 storage. DNV’s independent evaluation reinforces the importance of adhering to industry best practices and provides a solid foundation for the next stages of the project.

The West Aquifer project represents a key component of ADNOC’s strategy to reduce industrial emissions and demonstrates the region’s capability to lead innovative climate mitigation initiatives. It sets a benchmark for future CCS projects across the Middle East and reinforces the role of advanced technologies in shaping a sustainable energy future.

About DNV
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry standards, and inspires and invents solutions.

Whether assessing a new ship design, qualifying technology for a floating wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to manage technological and regulatory complexity with confidence.

Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps its customers seize opportunities and tackle the risks arising from global transformations. DNV is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.

In the energy industry
DNV provides assurance to the entire energy value chain through its advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services.  As the world’s leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, the assurance provider helps industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. DNV is committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement, and supports customers to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.

Media Contacts:

Neil James Slater
Head of Media Relations, Energy Systems
Phone: +442038165702
contact.energysystems@dnv.com

Annie Thomas
Field Marketing Manager – Middle East & Africa
contact.energysystems@dnv.com

Penda Sall
Media Relations Advisor
contact.energysystems@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV