The first commercial-scale carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) facility in the Middle East & North Africa (Mena) is now operational and aims to sequester up to 800,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year.
Developed by Abu Dhabi’s Carbon Capture Company Al Reyadah, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, the project harnesses CO₂ emitted by a major Abu Dhabi steel producer, Emirates Steel Industries (ESI), before injecting it as a substitute for rich gas into the emirate’s oil reservoirs to help enhance their output.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, Adnoc CEO and Chairman of Masdar, officially unveiled the groundbreaking CCUS facility yesterday.
Based in Abu Dhabi’s Mussafah industrial area next to Emirates Steel Industries, Al Reyadah’s inaugural CCUS project started construction in July 2013. The project is one of only 22 large-scale CCUS ventures, either in operation or under construction worldwide, and the first to capture CO₂ from an iron and steel works.
“The launch of this first commercial-scale CCUS project further demonstrates the UAE’s global energy leadership, and its ongoing commitment to advancing the industry through the application of innovative technology,” said Dr Al Jaber.
“Al Reyadah is a prime example of how clean technology can be integrated with traditional energy to create efficiency and optimise resources. This project will allow for the more productive use of a valuable commodity, natural gas, whether for power generation, or as petrochemicals feedstock, or for export,” he added. “It also unlocks another potential revenue stream in the industrial sector, encouraging the wider application of commercially viable CCUS technologies globally.”
Suhail Mohammad Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, said: “I would like to congratulate Adnoc, Masdar and ESI on the successful completion and commissioning of this landmark project. Al Reyadah demonstrates the true potential behind integrating hydrocarbon resources and clean technology to maximise value. Al Reyadah also reinforces the United Arab Emirates’ successful efforts to drive innovation through the implementation of cutting-edge technology, which contributes to our national agenda of building a knowledge-based economy.”