ADNOC has finished drilling operations in the United Arab Emirates at what the company claims is the world’s first fully sequestered CO2 injection well in a carbonate saline aquifer.

The project – which was first revealed in January 2023 – builds on ADNOC’s learnings from its Al Reyadah carbon capture facility in located in Abu Dhabi, UAE that can capture up to 800,000 tons of CO2 annually.

ADNOC conducted a 3D seismic survey and used subsurface modelling to ascertain the optimal location for the CO2 injection site. Geological formations were also identified using the technology.

Through the project, ADNOC will contribute to the production of lower-carbon ammonia, a scalable hydrogen carrier that has a lower-carbon intensity than other fuels. ADNOC’s Thamama Digital Centre of Excellence will be responsible for monitoring and assessing the project to ensure high levels of environmental safety. By 2030 the company aims to capture 5 million tons of CO2 per year. “We’re now moving ahead to prepare the well’s operational phase, which will deposit CO2 captured from Fertiglobe’s UAE operations safely and permanently underground,” said ADNOC via a LinkedIn