Carbon-to-Rock Project to Expand Following Successful Conversion of 10 Tons of CO₂ into Rock
ADNOC and 44.01 Propel Carbon Mineralization Initiative in Fujairah
In a groundbreaking development for sustainability and carbon management, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has teamed up with climate technology firm 44.01 to enhance their innovative carbon-to-rock project in Fujairah. This announcement, made during the recent Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), highlights ADNOC’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions through advanced technologies and renewable energy sources.
The partnership has begun to scale up following the successful completion of a pilot project that effectively mineralized 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) within a mere 100 days. Utilizing 44.01’s Earthshot prize-winning technology, the project employed Fujairah’s unique peridotite rock formations as a natural storage solution for CO2. This pilot not only serves as a technical proof of concept but also as a demonstration of how geological formations can be repurposed for carbon capture and sequestration.
Renewable Energy at the Core
Central to this initiative is the use of renewable energy, provided by Masdar, which plays a critical role in the mineralization process. In essence, the technology captures atmospheric CO2 and combines it with seawater, subsequently injecting the resultant solution deep into peridotite formations. This innovative method locks the CO2 away permanently, thereby mitigating its contribution to climate change.
The first phase of scaling up the project will involve the injection of over 300 tonnes of CO2, a significant step aimed at exploring the technology’s commercial viability and scalability within the United Arab Emirates. Observers note that the facility’s location in Fujairah is particularly advantageous due to the region’s abundant peridotite stores.
Ali Qasem, Director-General of the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC), remarked on the significance of this project: “The carbon conversion project in the Emirate of Fujairah marks a significant step toward a more sustainable future. The presence of peridotite formations in Fujairah offers unique potential to implement projects like this on a large scale, helping us reduce our carbon footprint.”
Strategic Directive for ADNOC
The initiative aligns seamlessly with ADNOC’s broader strategy focused on carbon management, which aims to achieve a remarkable carbon capture capacity of 10 million tonnes annually by the year 2030. This initiative is a crucial part of ADNOC’s comprehensive decarbonization plan, which includes an ambitious investment of billion aimed at various projects targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Sophie Hildebrand, ADNOC’s Chief Technology Officer, underscored the importance of technological advancements in achieving these ambitious targets. “Technology is a key enabler of ADNOC’s decarbonization strategy, and we are pleased to have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of 44.01’s mineralization technology in Fujairah,” she noted. “Carbon capture is an important tool to reduce carbon emissions and meet global climate goals.”
A Model for Future Carbon Management
The collaboration between ADNOC and 44.01 extends beyond mere operational goals; it represents a model for how nations can leverage natural resources and innovative technologies to address pressing environmental challenges. Talal Hasan, CEO of 44.01, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our pilot project with ADNOC demonstrated the viability of carbon mineralization in the UAE. We are pleased to be collaborating on scaling up operations and continuing to refine our technology on the way to demonstrating commerciality.”
As part of the ongoing technological competition, 44.01 is also vying for the Carbon Removal XPRIZE, a venture designed to incentivize innovative carbon removal technologies worldwide. In doing so, they aim to contribute to the UAE’s reputation as a leader in sustainable practices and technological innovation.
Conclusion
The ambitious project involving ADNOC and 44.01 not only sets a precedent for carbon capture initiatives but also reinforces the UAE’s commitment to global climate objectives. By integrating state-of-the-art technology with the region’s natural geological advantages, this initiative presents a significant opportunity to enhance ecological stewardship in the Gulf region while establishing a sustainable blueprint for the future.
As the world grapples with the implications of climate change, such partnerships and projects emerge as indispensable catalysts in the collective effort to secure a healthier planet for future generations.
