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New Energy World
New Energy World embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low carbon technologies.
Go ahead for Middle East CCUS expansion and major solar project
13/9/2023
News
ADNOC has announced a final investment decision (FID) to develop the 1.5mn t/y Habshan carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) project in Abu Dhabi, one of the largest carbon capture projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Meanwhile, Masdar has signed an agreement with DEWA to deliver the latest phase of what is said to be the world’s largest single-site solar park photovoltaic (PV) project, also located in Abu Dhabi.
Developing the Habshan CCUS project is expected to triple ADNOC’s installed carbon capture capacity to 2.3mn t/y, equivalent to removing over 500,000 petrol-powered cars from the road annually. Carbon capture is key lever in delivering the company’s net zero by 2045 ambition, which is backed by a $15bn decarbonisation investment in low-carbon solutions.
The Habshan project will be built, operated and maintained by ADNOC Gas, and will include carbon capture units at the Habshan gas processing plant, pipeline infrastructure and a network of wells for CO2 injection, due for completion in 2026.
ADNOC opened its first carbon capture, transportation and storage facility at Al Reyadah in Abu Dhabi in 2016. The original facility has the capacity to process up to 800,000 t/y of CO2 captured at Emirates Steel Arkan.
‘Building on Al Reyadah, the Habshan carbon capture project could provide for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) of low-carbon-intensity barrels as well as the production of low-carbon feedstocks such as hydrogen, to help customers decarbonise their operations,’ comments ADNOC.
World’s largest single-site solar PV project
Meanwhile, Masdar and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) have signed an agreement to build and operate the 1,800 MW sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park, costing up to $1.5bn and bringing the total production capacity of the project to 4,660 MW, up from 2,427 MW today.
The latest phase is expected to provide clean energy to more than half million residences and reduce carbon emissions by 2.36mn t/y.
Claimed to be the largest single-site solar PV development in the world, the $13.6bn solar park is due to be completed in 2030 and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by some 6.5mn t/y.
Commenting at the signing ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), noted: ‘Our goal is to provide 100% of Dubai’s energy from clean sources by 2050.’
New electricity and water government department
In other news, the UAE Cabinet recently approved the establishing of the Federal Regulatory Bureau for Electricity and Water, under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The Bureau will coordinate with relevant authorities to regulate electricity and water trade between the UAE and abroad; create a competitive environment among the electricity and desalination companies working in the country; and apply governmental directives on the energy and water sector. In addition, the Bureau aims to protect consumers rights, and regulate the production, transmission and distribution of electricity and water in the country.
