ADNOC’s West Aquifer carbon dioxide storage project in the UAE has received a Certificate of Feasibility from DNV, marking a pivotal advancement in the Middle East’s carbon capture and storage initiatives. This milestone aligns with ADNOC’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and supports the UAE’s overarching Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
The Certificate of Feasibility, based on DNV-SE-0473 and the ISO 27914 standard, verifies the suitability of the West Aquifer’s Simsima and UER saline reservoirs for CO2 storage. This initial subsurface assessment establishes the foundation for ADNOC’s long-term decarbonisation strategy, focusing on reducing emissions at the Ruwais industrial site and scaling CCS capabilities.
The certification is a significant step forward in ADNOC’s plans to expand carbon capture capacity to 10 million tonnes per annum by 2030. Santiago Blanco, DNV’s Executive Vice President for Energy Systems in the region, emphasised the importance of this development, stating:
“Certifying the West Aquifer CO2 storage site is an important milestone, not just for ADNOC but for the region’s commitment to addressing climate challenges. This project serves as a tangible step toward meeting the UAE’s Net Zero goals and highlights the vital role that CCS will play in shaping a sustainable energy future.”
ADNOC senior vice president for New Energies, Hanan Balalaa, noted the company’s track record in CCS deployment, saying:
“We will continue to work with our partners and customers to develop and scale up this technology.”
The certification further underscores the importance of independent verification to ensure the adoption of best practices in CO2 storage and industrial decarbonisation.
According to DNV’s 2024 Energy Transition Outlook, CCS technology is integral to achieving net-zero targets, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. ADNOC’s West Aquifer project exemplifies how advanced carbon management solutions can mitigate industrial emissions, setting a benchmark for future regional and global initiatives.
The successful certification highlights ADNOC’s leadership in integrating CCS technologies within its operations, demonstrating a scalable and sustainable model for carbon management in the energy sector.
For more information visit www.dnv.com
