In The Spotlight
LNG is increasingly being integrated into long-term energy strategies.
Towards sustainable energy security
Suresh Ramanujan, vice president - Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq & Jordan at Emerson argues that technology and partnership are imperatives for achieving sustainable energy security
Achieving energy security is not necessarily in conflict with ensuring sustainability. Focusing on energy security at the cost of sustainable practices can only lead to short-term gains. Striking a balance is crucial especially in the context of a global transition to a low-carbon future. While renewable energy sources continue to grow in importance and influence, the transition cannot happen overnight. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has emerged as a vital component of this shift — not as a competitor to renewables, but as a complementary, lower-emission fuel that supports reliability where intermittent sources fall short. With up to 50% lower carbon emissions than compared to other fossil fuels, LNG is a viable transition fuel that provides reliable energy for countries where renewables alone cannot meet current demand.
As countries prioritise both energy access and climate action, LNG is increasingly being integrated into long-term energy strategies. National development plans and capital projects around the world are scaling up LNG infrastructure to meet projected demand through 2035 and beyond. Shell's LNG Outlook 2024 predicts that global LNG demand will grow by approximately 50% by 2040, driven by emerging economies like India and Vietnam that are prioritising lower-emission energy sources to fuel their development while meeting climate commitments.
This raises a critical question: how can we scale LNG responsibly while lowering its environmental impact?
Qatar’s experience provides a good example of how to strike this balance. The nation is undertaking a massive North Field Expansion project that will boost its LNG production capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to approximately 126 MTPA by 2027.
What makes this expansion noteworthy is its parallel commitment to sustainability. Qatar is investing substantially in carbon capture technology, with plans to sequester 9 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2030.
Technology as an enabler of sustainable energy
Advances in process optimisation, emissions reduction, and energy efficiency are transforming how LNG facilities operate, significantly improving their environmental performance.
The Qatargas Jetty Boil-Off Gas Recovery Facility exemplifies this approach. By implementing advanced automation technology provided by Emerson’s LNG Solutions Center in Qatar, the facility eliminates flaring at Ras Laffan, recovering 600,000 tons of LNG annually while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1.6 million tons per year.
Technology partnerships like this will be beneficial to supporting the energy transition in Qatar, and elsewhere in the world. Through advanced control systems, optimisation software from AspenTech, and precision instrumentation and valve technologies, Emerson enables LNG operators to run safer, more efficient, and more reliable operations. These solutions not only help reduce emissions and optimise energy use but also ensure process consistency across the entire lifecycle of LNG facilities—from design and commissioning to maintenance and digital transformation.
Innovations and expertise gained from such partnerships will enable businesses to achieve sustainability and operational excellence; it will also empower local industries with tools to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
Developing local expertise to address transition challenges
Technology alone, no matter how sophisticated, cannot drive sustainable transformation without the human expertise to implement and optimise it.
Qatar's National Vision 2030 recognises this reality, emphasising economic progression through innovation, sustainability, and human development. Emerson’s LNG Solutions Center is supporting this vision by providing programmes that will cultivate local expertise needed to facilitate the country’s transition to a carbon-neutral future. This provides immersive training environments where engineers and technicians can develop proficiency with cutting-edge technologies before implementing them in operational facilities. They create spaces for collaboration between operators, technology providers, and academic institutions. And they function as innovation hubs where solutions to industry challenges can be explored, tested, and refined.
Beyond production: the entire value chain
A comprehensive approach to ensuring a balance between energy security and sustainability must consider the entire LNG value chain – from production and processing to transportation and utilisation.
In transportation, for instance, the foremost considerations include solutions for safe transfer of liquefied gas as well as carrier operations. These are essential for maintaining safety and environmental integrity. Accurate containment monitoring and custody technologies can help ensure safe transfer when loading or unloading LNG, while specialised carrier systems support safety, environmental compliance, and reliability for LNG carriers.
At the consumption end, technologies that optimise combustion processes, minimise methane slip, and support fuel switching in power generation and industrial applications help maximise the environmental benefits of choosing natural gas over higher-carbon alternatives.
LNG in a net-zero future
LNG has the potential to remain valuable even in a highly decarbonised energy system. A number of factors support this view. First, the integration of carbon capture and storage technology can dramatically reduce the lifecycle emissions of natural gas. Second, existing LNG infrastructure can be repurposed for transportation and storage of hydrogen energy when this resource becomes more mainstream or as green and blue hydrogen production gains wider adoption. Finally, the reliability and disposability of gas-fired power generation make it an ideal complement to intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Without a doubt, the path forward will require continued innovation in technology, policy frameworks and regulations, as well as market structures and business models. The balanced approach advocated here considers both the immediate necessity of reliable energy access and the imperative of addressing climate change.
Fossil fuels continue to dominant the global energy system.
Fossil fuels continue to play dominant role despite renewables growth
Fossil fuels continue to dominate the global energy system, with fast-growing renewables adding to the overall energy mix rather than replacing them, according to the Energy Institute’s latest Statistical Review of World Energy, produced in collaboration with KPMG and Kearney
Wind and solar combined grew by over 18% in 2024, making them the fastest-growing areas of the energy system, with China responsible for 56% of new wind and solar additions. But global energy demand is rising even faster, with total fossil fuel use growing by just over 1% and oil remaining the largest source of energy, accounting for 34% of total global demand.
Crude oil demand remained flat in OECD countries, but rose 1% in non-OECD countries, with Africa and the Middle East the fastest-growing regions in terms of oil demand. The USA is the world’s largest oil producer, accounting for 20% of global production in 2024.
Global natural gas demand rose by 2.5% as gas markets rebalanced after the 2023 slump. Global natural gas production rose to 4,124 bcm with the largest producers being the US, Russia, Iran, and China, which has risen from being the world’s sixth largest gas producer to its fourth over the last 10 years.
This simultaneous growth in clean and conventional energy illustrates the structural, economic, and geopolitical barriers to achieving a truly coordinated global energy transition, the Energy Institute comments, noting the 1% rise in energy emissions to record levels.
Total energy supply rose by 2% to reach a new high of 592 EJ, with records reached across all forms of energy. At 4%, electricity demand growth continued to outpace total energy demand growth, an indicator that the age of electricity is not just emerging but is shaping a new global energy system.
Energy Institute president Andy Brown OBE FEI said, “This year’s data reflects a complex picture of the global energy transition. Electrification is accelerating, particularly across developing economies where access to modern energy is expanding rapidly. However, the pace of renewable deployment continues to be outstripped by overall demand growth, 60% of which was met by fossil fuels. The result is a fourth consecutive year of record emissions, highlighting the structural challenges in aligning global energy consumption with climate goals.”
Dr Nick Wayth CEng FEI, CEO of the Energy Institute highlighted China’s influence over global energy trends, as it expands renewable capacity alongside coal, gas and oil. “The scale and direction of China’s energy choices will be pivotal in determining whether the world can deliver a secure, affordable, and low-carbon energy future."
Dr Romain Debarre, partner and managing director Energy Transition Institute, Kearney stated: “Energy security, resource access, and technological sovereignty are now taking priority over climate goals. This year’s data reveals three trends that are shaping the energy landscape: energy use is rising, but patterns are shifting; electrification is rapidly accelerating; and the energy transition remains chaotic.
“We are witnessing the dangers of a disorderly transition and the cost of inaction in real time. We have the strategies, technologies, and know-how to deliver net zero with an integrated, secure, and people-centred approach. Now, we must move from promises to action, at scale and at speed.”
Wafa Jafri, lead of Energy and Natural Resources Strategy and Partner KPMG in the UK observed Europe’s slowing progress on renewables and growth in China and emerging markets. “What’s emerging is not a uniform transition, but a disorderly one.
“Leaders navigating this need to look beyond headlines and towards practical delivery, regional opportunity, and strategies built for resilience as all facets of the energy trilemma: affordability, security of supply and decarbonisation, compete for priority.”
Manufacturers can now use CONNECT with Databricks. (Image source: AVEVA)
AVEVA recognised for boosting smart manufacturing with Databricks partnership
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, has been named the 2025 Databricks Manufacturing ISV Partner of the Year. Announced at the annual Data + AI Summit, the recognition honours AVEVA’s outstanding contributions to data-driven innovation in the manufacturing sector.
Over the past year, AVEVA has partnered closely with Databricks to launch a pioneering integrative solution via its CONNECT industrial intelligence platform.
This collaboration redefines how industrial and enterprise data are unified, analysed, and actioned, solving a critical challenge in modern industry: converting fragmented OT and IT data into meaningful, trusted insights.
By combining the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform with CONNECT, users can securely integrate industrial and enterprise data in an open, scalable, and governed way, using Delta Sharing, Databricks’ open-source technology for cross-platform, cross-cloud live data sharing.
This enables advanced capabilities such as AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics to be applied to previously siloed data sets.
As a result, manufacturers can now use CONNECT with Databricks to drive smarter decision-making, predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, sustainability tracking, safety improvements, and enhanced operational efficiency, while reducing development time and costs, and accelerating time-to-value.
“At AVEVA, we’re proud to have established Databricks and Delta Sharing as key foundation-stones of our strategy for our industrial intelligence platform, CONNECT,” said Bry Dillon, SVP of Partners and Commercial Strategy at AVEVA.
“Together, we’re enabling our joint customers to access real-time insights, accelerate AI, and deliver tangible outcomes across the industrial landscape. Our partnership with Databricks marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of industrial AI. This collaboration presents a powerful opportunity to accelerate the deployment of AI-driven solutions and drive greater industry wide collaboration — capabilities that are needed for companies across the industrial sector to stay relevant, remain competitive, and build efficient, sustainable businesses of the future.
"We are thrilled to name AVEVA the 2025 Databricks Manufacturing ISV Partner of the Year," said Shiv Trisal, Global Manufacturing, Transportation & Energy GTM Leader at Databricks. "As more enterprises leverage data intelligence to solve challenges across the manufacturing and energy industries, AVEVA's partnership with Databricks is essential to helping organisations everywhere harness the full potential of their data."
Israeli strikes on Iran's oil field threaten global LNG supply
Oil and gas giants weigh in on geopolitical tensions gripping the Middle East
A number of top executives from the oil and gas industry have addressed the impact of the recent strikes conducted by Israel on Iranian territory, which was followed by a number of retaliatory strikes from Iran.
Shell CEO Wael Sawan spoke to CNBC a few weeks ago, stating that “The last 96 hours have been very concerning … both for the region but more broadly in terms of where the global energy system is going given the uncertainty and the backdrop that we see right now and the geopolitical volatility.”
Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies expressed concerns about the safety of regional employees and the broader implications for global markets if oil installations are targeted. He noted TotalEnergies' significant operations in Iraq, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, emphasising the hope that further strikes would avoid oil infrastructure to prevent safety hazards and market disruptions.
Meanwhile, Amjad Bseisu, CEO of UK-based EnQuest, hoped that the conflict would be resolved quickly.
“It’s almost like every day we see something different but obviously this war between Israel and Iran is another step up,” Bseisu told CNBC.
“The quicker we can come to an end of this terrible conflict, the better for overall markets but I do think that the market is well supplied in the short to medium term.”
More recently though, it seems that companies are still measuring the impact of US involvement in the conflict.
Following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on 22 June, comments from oil and gas company executives specifically addressing these strikes have been rather limited.
However, some relevant statements and industry perspectives have emerged, focusing on the broader implications for energy markets and supply chains.
According to Jorge Leon, head of geopolitical analysis at Rystad Energy and a former OPEC official, "An oil price jump is expected."
Speaking to Reuters, Leon said that "Even in the absence of immediate retaliation, markets are likely to price in a higher geopolitical risk premium."
SEB analyst Ole Hvalbye told Reuters that global oil benchmark Brent crude could gain US$3 to US$5 per barrel when markets open. Ole Hansen, analyst at Saxo Bank, predicted a similar jump, placing crude’s opening at US$4 to $5 dollars higher.
A more worrying aspect is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz (SoH). After the US strikes, Iran’s parliament voted to close this shipping route, which could severely affect the global oil and gas supply.
The SoH is the world’s most important oil chokepoint, handling about 20-30% of global seaborne oil trade (roughly 20 million barrels per day flow through this narrow strip).
Meanwhile, approximately 25% of the world’s LNG exports pass through this strait, majority of which is exported by Qatar.
Reuters reported that QatarEnergy had held talks with major energy companies last week. The report said that Saad Al Kaabi, who is QatarEnergy's CEO and Qatar's energy minister, urged companies to warn their respective governments (US and European countries) about this risk. These talks came after Israel struck an Iranian gas field, which it shares with Qatar.
GCC states monitoring the situation
Iranian officials, for their part, have assured that no radioactive matter was leaked following the US strikes, and that the region is safe from nuclear radiation.
The Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) confirmed this, stating that no radiological effects were detected in Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries.
The UAE’s nuclear authority Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), along with the IAEA, Kuwait's nuclear authority, and the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, all published similar statements.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a news conference, "We are monitoring this on a daily basis."
UTEC's products are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the regional grid. (Image source: UTEC)
Localised manufacturing for resilient power solutions in Saudi Arabia
Reliability begins with proximity. At UTEC, we are not just closer to our clients, but we are closer to the future Saudi Arabia is building.
Introduction
Saudi Arabia’s power transformation is no longer a vision; it’s happening fast. As the Kingdom advances toward a diversified and tech-driven economy, localised manufacturing is emerging as a vital enabler. At UTEC, we see it as a strategic imperative rather than just considering it a regulatory requirement. This approach enables national resilience, increased reliance on indigenous manufacturing capabilities, and supports accelerated infrastructure growth.
Today, I want to touch upon the current landscape of localisation in Saudi Arabia and its impact on the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) sector. Being a Saudi company, I would also be highlighting UTEC's role and contributions to the Kingdom’s ongoing economic transformation.
Why local manufacturing is a strategic advantage
The recent chaos, including supply chain backlogs and transport delays, has made our industry realise our excessive dependence on imported technologies. Localisation is fundamentally about regaining control. It reduces our dependence on overseas producers, shields us from global disruptions, and keeps our infrastructure plans on track.
As the CEO of a T&D equipment company, I have witnessed the impact of global supply chain disruptions on critical infrastructure timelines. The recent crises in Western markets have made us aware of the risks of over-reliance on equipment built and manufactured overseas. The events emphasised the point that the development of local capabilities is not only strategically beneficial but also a necessity.
Manufacturing power system technologies in the Kingdom, particularly critical equipment such as transformers and switchgear, are highly valuable. It enables us to complete projects more quickly, serve local stakeholders more effectively, and easily tailor our equipment to meet Saudi Arabia's grid and environmental requirements.
In my view, building an industrial base within the Kingdom is essential. Positioning economic value within our own borders not only strengthens our economy but also holds onto critical knowledge and drives innovation. With domestic demand growing, having robust capacity for production puts UTEC and Saudi Arabia more broadly well placed to enter international markets.
UTEC's commitment to local manufacturing and national growth
As Saudi Arabia advances its localisation agenda and strengthens its power infrastructure, UTEC stands as a long-term contributor to this vision. Our locally rooted operations, product expertise, and close alignment with national goals uniquely position us to support the Kingdom’s transformation in the transmission and distribution sector.
Saudi made
Over the last two decades, UTEC has been producing distribution transformers, unit substations, and medium-voltage switchgear in the Kingdom. Our operations are 100% Saudi-based, and our products are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the regional grid.
Engineering for local needs
Transformers and switchgear are not standardised products; they must be tailored to the working conditions of every project, the national standards for every targeted market, through local engineering expertise supported with global expertise and close liaison with clients, UTEC ensures that every system we supply is aligned with site conditions, regulatory compliance, and long-term performance expectations.
Reliable local support
Our domestic manufacturing model is also enhanced by after-sales service and lifecycle support, both of which are essential to ensuring long-term reliability. Customers know they can count on our professionals and technical experts to fix issues quickly and effectively when they inevitably arise. This level of responsiveness isn't typically available with overseas suppliers or off-the-shelf components.
Supporting the Kingdom’s vision
Our alignment with national objectives supporting the localisation efforts of the Ministry of Energy and the SEC's grid modernisation initiative ensures that solutions provided by UTEC meet evolving technical and operational standards, thereby future-proofing the Kingdom's infrastructure.
Empowering scalable power for national development
As Saudi Arabia launches some of the world's most ambitious industrial and infrastructure growth projects, including giga-cities and renewable energy initiatives, power systems must expand more rapidly than ever before.
With UTEC, we are working to turn this development into a reality. By manufacturing essential power equipment domestically, such as transformer bushings, as well as establishing the first factory in Saudi Arabia, we aim to alleviate project bottlenecks, minimise procurement risks, and accelerate project schedules.
We facilitate innovative projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project, as well as industrial clusters, with expedited and superior-quality solutions that meet rigorous design, safety, and performance requirements.
In addition, with the Kingdom's increasing diversification of its energy mix through the addition of solar, wind, and hydrogen, the design of equipment needs to be more responsive and flexible. With a presence in the region, we are attuned to such evolution, enabling us to co-create with our partners and seamlessly adapt to changing systems and technical requirements.
Building human capital and technology capability
I believe localisation is not only the local manufacturing of goods, but also the enabling of local talent to create, innovate, and drive the future. It is for this reason that, at UTEC, we have ensured the engagement of local engineers, technicians, and managers in every aspect of our operations. Manpower localisation has also added value in cooperation with Saudi universities for internship programmes, followed by hiring.
It is critical to invest in daily training programmes, experiential technical courses, and continuous knowledge sharing. For me, factories are not simply manufacturing plants but also learning establishments that drive the kingdom’s industrial growth and sustained wealth.
Aligned with national vision—and going beyond
Saudi Arabia’s push for local manufacturing is not just a policy, but a clear national priority included in Vision 2030 and supported by frameworks such as the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority. At UTEC, we are proud to be at the forefront of this effort, not only achieving localisation targets but also exceeding them.
With every transformer and switchgear that we produce locally, we are enhancing the Kingdom's strategic direction. UTEC is creating economic value and helping the country move closer to energy independence. Our commitment goes beyond meeting local content mandates; we strive for excellence in local manufacturing within the power sector.
Beyond the Saudi market, our products are currently serving industries and utilities in more than 23 countries including the UK, Qatar, South America, and Kuwait. Transformers manufactured locally by UTEC are sought across diverse markets of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. We are also making footprints in Asian economies. Our strong global presence is proof that Saudi Made is not just marked but has become a symbol of quality and innovation.
Conclusion: The future is local and built to last
Saudi Arabia is on an ambitious path towards a cleaner, brighter, and more sustainable energy future. Bringing the vision to life needs more than importing foreign solutions; it demands local commitment, capacity, and capability.
We at UTEC are proud to be a long-standing partner in the Kingdom's vision for energy. We pledge to provide high-quality and dependable power solutions, including transformers, switchgear, and associated electrical equipment, all of which are locally manufactured in Saudi Arabia. Our vision is not limited to serving the local market; we aim to contribute to making the Kingdom a regional hub for energy production and export.
With our partners, we are not just manufacturing equipment, but also fostering trust, and resilience, and laying the foundation for long-term self-sufficiency.
About Author:
Wael Gad, CEO, UTEC
Wael Gad is the CEO and Board Member of Bawan Engineering Group, a subsidiary of Bawan Holding, a public listed KSA company. Bawan Engineering Group consists of several companies operating in the manufacturing and services of Electrical & Digitization equipment (Transformers, Substations, Switchgears, e-Houses, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Data Centers). Bawan Engineering Group sells its products in more than 20 countries across the world under the brand UTEC. Wael has more than 30 years of diversified experience across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, leading several multinationals and regional organizations. Wael serves as a board Member of several companies in Saudi & Egypt, he also served as an advisory board director and as a Business Development and governance Advisor with several organizations. Previously Wael was the CEO of Philips Lighting in Saudi, the General Manager of Microsoft MMD in Saudi & Yemen and he also held several C-level assignments for Electrolux across EMEA.
CCS capacity is forecast to grow strongly.
CCS at a turning point: DNV
Carbon capture and storage capacity is forecast to quadruple by 2030, and the Middle East has ‘significant CCS ambition’, according to a new report from DNV
Cumulative investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) is expected to reach US$80bn over the next five years, according to DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook: CCS to 2050 report.
Up to now, growth has been limited and largely associated with pilot projects, but a sharp increase in capacity in the project pipeline indicates that CCS is at a turning point. CCS will grow from 41 MtCO2/yr captured and stored today to 1,300 MtCO2/yr in 2050, which will be 6% of global emissions, DNV forecasts.
The immediate rise in capacity is being driven by short-term scale up in North America and Europe, with natural gas processing still the main application for the technology. Europe is moving projects forward amidst tightening emissions regulations and developers are advancing in the US, taking advantage of the established 45Q tax credit. Hard to abate industries such as steel and cement production are forecast to be the main driver of growth from 2030 onwards, accounting for 41% of annual CO2 captured by mid-century. Maritime onboard capture is expected to scale from the 2040s in parts of the global shipping fleet.
As the technologies mature and scale, the average costs will drop by an average of 40% by 2050.
Ditlev Engel, CEO, Energy Systems at DNV said “Carbon capture and storage technologies are a necessity for ensuring that CO2 emitted by fossil-fuel combustion is stopped from reaching the atmosphere and for keeping the goals of the Paris Agreement alive. DNV’s first Energy Transition Outlook: CCS to 2050 report clearly shows that we are at a turning point in the development of this crucial technology.
“The biggest barrier to the very much needed acceleration of CCS deployment is policy uncertainty. Policy shifts, not technology or costs, have been responsible for many CCS project failures. However, policy support for CCS is firming across most world regions.”
Recent turmoil and budgetary pressure in the global economy pose risks to CCS deployment, potentially shifting priorities and removing necessary finance needed.
Jamie Burrows, Global Segment Lead CCUS, Energy Systems at DNV said “CCS is entering a pivotal decade and the scale of ambition and investment must increase dramatically. It remains essential for hard-to-decarbonise sectors like cement, steel, chemicals, and maritime transport. But as DNV’s report shows, delays in reducing carbon dioxide emissions will place an even greater burden on carbon dioxide removal technologies. To stay within climate targets, we must accelerate the deployment of all carbon management solutions -from industrial capture to nature-based removal - starting today."
Middle East developments
DNV notes that the Middle East is home to three operational CCS projects and six under construction. Operating facilities include the Al Reyadah steel plant in the UAE, Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG Facility, and Saudi Arabia's Uthmaniyah gas processing plant.
The world’s largest CO2 utilisation facility, United Jubail Petrochemical, is also in Saudi Arabia. The facility converts 0.5 MtCO2/yr into feedstock for chemical processes.
The main focus of regional CCS development has evolved from EOR to decarbonising energy and the production of low-carbon fuels. The UAE's Long Term Strategy highlights CCS as crucial for industrial sector decarbonisation, targeting 43.5 MtCO2/yr capacity by 2050. ADNOC aims for 10 MtCO2/yr captured by 2030 and net-zero operations by 2045. ADNOC's Habshan and Ghasha Concession projects, each with capacity of 1.5 MtCO2/yr, are currently under construction.
Saudi Arabia aims to capture and store 44 MtCO2/ yr by 2035 and launched a domestic carbon crediting scheme in 2024. A CCS hub is under construction at Jubail, which will store 9 MtCO2/yr by 2027 from natural gas processing and industrial sources in an onshore saline aquifer.
Oman aims to utilise its pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen and CO2 transport in new CCS and EOR projects.
Direct air capture (DAC) projects are emerging in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, often combined with CO2 mineralisation or sustainable aviation fuel production.
The agreement was signed by His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC, and His Excellency Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & managing Director, DP World GCC. (Image source: ENOC)
ENOC Group and DP World partner for emergency response
ENOC Group and DP World have signed an agreement to enhance emergency and fire response capabilities across Dubai’s energy and logistics infrastructure, through joint training, planning and coordination
The co-operation involves an annual joint exercise to enhance training, preparedness, and response times, led by ENOC and DP World's emergency teams. It also entails regular updates to emergency response plans and a shared protocol for engaging external parties to ensure swift and coordinated action.
ENOC Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to the highest levels of safety and emergency preparedness. In 2022, the Group launched an Emergency Response Centre in Jebel Ali in partnership with Dubai Civil Defence. More recently, members of ENOC’s Emergency Response Centre completed specialised training at the International Fire Training Centre in the UK, enhancing the Group’s HAZMAT and fire risk assessment capabilities. This advanced training equips firefighters with the skills to respond effectively to hazardous material incidents, perform complex rescue operations, and conduct fire risk assessments within the high-risk oil and gas sector. The group has specialised centres of excellence for delivering emergency response and crisis management and fire training services to corporate, segments and business units.
His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC, said, “This MoU marks a significant stride forward in solidifying our commitment to the highest safety standards and emergency preparedness. We are proud to collaborate with DP World, a partner who shares our deeply held values of ensuring operational safety and resilience across the board. This collaborative approach will undoubtedly enhance our collective ability to respond effectively to any unforeseen incidents, safeguarding our people, assets, and the community.”
His Excellency Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & managing director, DP World GCC said, “Safety is the core value that underpins everything we do at DP World. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to creating a safe environment for our people, assets and operations. Together with ENOC, we’re enhancing our ability to respond to emergencies and building more resilient, safe infrastructure to support regional trade.”
QatarEnergy to make its debut in Algeria
QatarEnergy lands first onshore Algeria block
QatarEnergy has landed a stake in its first onshore exploration license in Algeria, expanding the group’s upstream footprint in North Africa
The company secured the Ahara block as part of Algeria’s 2025 bid round, marking its first entry into the country’s upstream sector.
“We are delighted to be awarded the Ahara block, which marks our first entry into Algeria’s upstream sector and further and expands our footprint in Africa,” said Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, and president and CEO of QatarEnergy.
Located in eastern Algeria, at the intersection of the prolific Berkine and Illizi Basins, Ahara covers an area of approximately 14,900 square km.
QatarEnergy will work as part of a consortium, alongside operator TotalEnergies and Algeria’s national state-owned oil company Sonatrach.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy will each hold an effective interest of 24.5% during the exploration phase, while Sonatrach will hold 51%.
The results of the competitive bid process were announced by The National Agency for the Valorisation of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT).
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Algerian Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies and ALNAFT on the successful management of this bid round,” said Al-Kaabi.
“We look forward to a successful and collaborative exploration endeavour with the Ministry alongside ALNAFT, Sonatrach and TotalEnergies.”
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Hussain Sultan Lootah has been appointed acting chief executive officer of ENOC Group. (Image source: ENOC Group)
ENOC Group appoints Acting CEO
The UAE’s ENOC Group has appointed Hussain Sultan Lootah as acting chief executive office, succeeding Saif Humaid Al Falasi, who has led the Group for the last 10 years
The company said in a statement that the appointment aligns with the Group's commitment to drive the future of energy and support Dubai's ambitious plans of economic diversification and sustainable development.
Lootah has three decades of leadership experience in the oil & gas industry, with strong expertise in finance, commercial strategy, project management, and talent development. Throughout his career he has held key leadership roles, leading operations and driving significant progress in Emiratisation and human capital development.
Lootah said, “ENOC Group is at the forefront of building a more sustainable energy landscape for the UAE and the wider region. I am honoured to step into this new role and be part of the ENOC Group success journey, and look forward to working closely with ENOC’s talent and leaders to build on its legacy of innovation and excellence.”
A wholly owned entity of the Government of Dubai, ENOC has over the past 30 years evolved from a local oil and gas player to an integrated global player with assets and operations across the energy sector value chain. Its energy business currently comprise Exploration and Production, Supply Trading and Processing, Terminals, Fuel Retail, Aviation and Products.
The WDDM concession is located around 90 km offshore Egypt.
CO₂ pipelines will need to grow from 9,500 km today to over 200,000 km by 2050 to support industrial decarbonisation.
The two companies will collaborate on AI-powere autonomous operations. (Image source: Borouge)
Borouge and Honeywell to collaborate on autonomous operations
Abu Dhabi-based petrochemicals company Borouge is collaborating with Honeywell to conduct a proof of concept for AI-powered autonomous operations, which is is set to deliver the petrochemical industry’s first AI-driven control room designed for full-scale, real-time operation
The initiative aims to deploy the proof-of-concept technologies to enhance Borouge’s operations across its Ruwais facilities in the UAE. Autonomous operations will enable Borouge to optimise production, reduce energy use, and enhance safety while reducing costs at what will be the single largest petrochemical site in the world. Both companies will leverage their expertise in process technology and autonomous control capabilities to identify new opportunities to deploy Agentic AI solutions and advanced machine learning algorithms.
The project is a key component of Borouge's companywide AIDT programme, which is projected to generate US$575mn in value this year. In 2024, Borouge’s portfolio of over 200 AIDT initiatives—spanning operations, health and safety, sales, sustainability, and product innovation—generated $573mn in value
Borouge has already installed the world’s largest Real-Time Optimisation (RTO) system across three large-scale ethane crackers and 20 furnaces. The initiative analyses over 2,500 parameters per minute, enabling instant data-driven decisions, significantly enhancing productivity, optimising energy consumption and reducing emissions. The unique system minimises ethane dumping and optimises resource use, in line with Borouge's commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Borouge has invested in its state-of-the-art Innovation Centre located in Abu Dhabi and is now using advanced AI-powered tools to accelerate innovation, enabling the company to bring new grades of advanced polymers to market quicker. In collaboration with ADNOC AI Lab, Borouge has completed its first “Polymer Optimisation” programme, achieving a 97% accuracy, enabling Borouge to reduce its development timeline from months to weeks.
Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, chief executive officer of Borouge, said, “Borouge's AI, Digitalisation, and Technology (AIDT) transformation programme is setting new standards in operations, innovation and business performance. By collaborating with global AI leaders such as Honeywell, we are accelerating growth, driving efficiency, and enhancing shareholder value. This project further strengthens Borouge’s competitive edge as we continue to deliver on our ambitious AIDT roadmap.”
George Bou Mitri, president of Honeywell Industrial Automation, Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Central Asia, said, “By integrating AI and automation technologies into core operations, we are helping unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and performance. This agreement shows how advanced technologies, applied with purpose, can reshape industrial operations at scale.”
ADNOC L&S will manage the transportation of up to 70% of Borouge's annual production. (Image source: ADNOC L&S)
The petrochemical industry is increasingly turning its attention to chemical recycling. (Image source: Synergy)
The Sequestri is part of SLB's full suite of complementary CCS solutions. (Image source:SLB)
SLB's Sequestri allows improved decision-making
Energy technology company, SLB has launched Sequestri carbon storage solutions for the most effective project delivery
Since long-term carbon storage demands a calculated approach, the new portfolio gives customised hardware and digital workflows for improved decision-making across the full carbon storage value chain, from site selection and planning to development, operations and monitoring.
“Advanced technology solutions have a crucial role to play in shifting the economics and safeguarding the integrity of carbon storage projects,” said Katherine Rojas, SLB’s senior vice president of Industrial Decarbonisation. “The Sequestri portfolio offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that provide the precision, reliability and efficiency needed to advance carbon storage projects at every stage of their lifecycle — driving meaningful progress toward industrial decarbonisation at scale.”
The Sequestri portfolio is anchored by a network of interconnected digital technologies and services for carbon storage that provide a robust foundation for analysis and prediction. These end-to-end digital technologies harness more than 25 years of carbon capture and storage (CCS) project experience to help developers screen, rank, design, model, simulate and analyse every phase of the project lifecycle. The portfolio also includes a range of technologies which have been specifically engineered and qualified for carbon storage applications, from subsurface safety valves and measurement tools to cementing systems, including SLB’s EverCRETE CO2-resistant cement system.
The Sequestri portfolio of carbon storage solutions, together with the SLB Capturi standard, modular carbon capture solutions, provide emitters and project developers with a full suite of complementary CCS solutions to enable decarbonisation at scale from point of capture to permanent carbon storage.
The new function simplifies the process of selecting pumps. (Image source: Armstrong Fluid Technology)
The new service has been deployed on oil and gas exploration projects in the Middle East.
The webinar highlighted SAFEEN Green - a revolutionary new USV. (Image source: AD Ports Group)
SAFEEN Group webinar addresses future of offshore operations
Oil Review Middle East hosted a very well-attended webinar on 20 November on the future of offshore operations, in association with SAFEEN Group, part of AD Ports Group
The webinar explored the latest trends and challenges in the rapidly evolving world of offshore operations, focusing on groundbreaking innovations that are driving sustainable and efficient practices. In particular, it highlighted SAFEEN Green – a revolutionary unmanned surface vessel (USV), setting new benchmarks for sustainable and efficient maritime operations.
Erik Tonne, MD and head of Market Analysis at Clarksons, gave an overview of the offshore market, highlighting that current oil price levels are supportive for offshore developments, and global offshore capex is increasing strongly. The Middle East region will see significant capex increase over the coming years, with the need for rigs and vessels likely to remain high. Offshore wind is also seeing increased spending. Global rig activity is growing, while the subsea EPC backlog has never been higher, with regional EPC contracts seeing very high activity. Tonne forecast that demand for subsea vessels and other support vessels will continue to increase.
Tareq Abdulla Al Marzooqi, CEO SAFEEN Subsea, AD Ports Group, introduced SAFEEN Subsea, a joint venture with NMDC, which offers reliable and innovative survey, subsea and offshore solutions to support major offshore and EPC projects across the region. He highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, internationalisation and local content, and how it is a hub for innovations and new ideas, taking conceptual designs and converting them to commercial projects. A key project is SAFEEN Green, which offers an optimised inspection and survey solution.
Tareq Al Marzooqi and Ronald J Kraft, CTO, Sovereign Global Solutions ME and RC Dock Engineering BV. outlined the benefits and capabilities of SAFEEN Green as compared with commercial vessels, in terms of safety, efficiency, profitability and sustainability. It is 30-40% more efficient through the use of advanced technologies, provides a safer working environment given it is operated 24/7 remotely from a control centre, and offers swappable payload capacity. Vessels are containerised and can be transported easily to other regions. In terms of fuel consumption, the vessel is environment-friendly and highly competitive, reducing emissions by 90% compared with conventional vessels, with the ability to operate on 100% biofuel.
As for future plans, SAFEEN Green 2.0 is under development, which will be capable of carrying two inspection work-class ROVs simultaneously. A priority will be to collect data to create functional AI models for vessels and operations, with the first agent-controlled payload systems in prospect by around 2027.
To view the webinar, go to https://alaincharles.zoom.us/rec/share/mNHjZhAhQzn1sPzmFWZCgrq7_SckfLRcSb4w81I7aVlokO9sgHM_zVeOqgN3DgJS.bO4OIRqNeFP09SPu?startTime=1732095689000
The webinar explored how AI surveillance applications can enhance operational efficiency and improve standards in onshore and offshore operations. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The webinar covered the latest advancements in industrial analytics tools. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
CCS capacity is forecast to grow strongly.
CCS at a turning point: DNV
Carbon capture and storage capacity is forecast to quadruple by 2030, and the Middle East has ‘significant CCS ambition’, according to a new report from DNV
Cumulative investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) is expected to reach US$80bn over the next five years, according to DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook: CCS to 2050 report.
Up to now, growth has been limited and largely associated with pilot projects, but a sharp increase in capacity in the project pipeline indicates that CCS is at a turning point. CCS will grow from 41 MtCO2/yr captured and stored today to 1,300 MtCO2/yr in 2050, which will be 6% of global emissions, DNV forecasts.
The immediate rise in capacity is being driven by short-term scale up in North America and Europe, with natural gas processing still the main application for the technology. Europe is moving projects forward amidst tightening emissions regulations and developers are advancing in the US, taking advantage of the established 45Q tax credit. Hard to abate industries such as steel and cement production are forecast to be the main driver of growth from 2030 onwards, accounting for 41% of annual CO2 captured by mid-century. Maritime onboard capture is expected to scale from the 2040s in parts of the global shipping fleet.
As the technologies mature and scale, the average costs will drop by an average of 40% by 2050.
Ditlev Engel, CEO, Energy Systems at DNV said “Carbon capture and storage technologies are a necessity for ensuring that CO2 emitted by fossil-fuel combustion is stopped from reaching the atmosphere and for keeping the goals of the Paris Agreement alive. DNV’s first Energy Transition Outlook: CCS to 2050 report clearly shows that we are at a turning point in the development of this crucial technology.
“The biggest barrier to the very much needed acceleration of CCS deployment is policy uncertainty. Policy shifts, not technology or costs, have been responsible for many CCS project failures. However, policy support for CCS is firming across most world regions.”
Recent turmoil and budgetary pressure in the global economy pose risks to CCS deployment, potentially shifting priorities and removing necessary finance needed.
Jamie Burrows, Global Segment Lead CCUS, Energy Systems at DNV said “CCS is entering a pivotal decade and the scale of ambition and investment must increase dramatically. It remains essential for hard-to-decarbonise sectors like cement, steel, chemicals, and maritime transport. But as DNV’s report shows, delays in reducing carbon dioxide emissions will place an even greater burden on carbon dioxide removal technologies. To stay within climate targets, we must accelerate the deployment of all carbon management solutions -from industrial capture to nature-based removal - starting today."
Middle East developments
DNV notes that the Middle East is home to three operational CCS projects and six under construction. Operating facilities include the Al Reyadah steel plant in the UAE, Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG Facility, and Saudi Arabia's Uthmaniyah gas processing plant.
The world’s largest CO2 utilisation facility, United Jubail Petrochemical, is also in Saudi Arabia. The facility converts 0.5 MtCO2/yr into feedstock for chemical processes.
The main focus of regional CCS development has evolved from EOR to decarbonising energy and the production of low-carbon fuels. The UAE's Long Term Strategy highlights CCS as crucial for industrial sector decarbonisation, targeting 43.5 MtCO2/yr capacity by 2050. ADNOC aims for 10 MtCO2/yr captured by 2030 and net-zero operations by 2045. ADNOC's Habshan and Ghasha Concession projects, each with capacity of 1.5 MtCO2/yr, are currently under construction.
Saudi Arabia aims to capture and store 44 MtCO2/ yr by 2035 and launched a domestic carbon crediting scheme in 2024. A CCS hub is under construction at Jubail, which will store 9 MtCO2/yr by 2027 from natural gas processing and industrial sources in an onshore saline aquifer.
Oman aims to utilise its pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen and CO2 transport in new CCS and EOR projects.
Direct air capture (DAC) projects are emerging in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, often combined with CO2 mineralisation or sustainable aviation fuel production.
The UAE can lead by example in demonstrating how hydrogen can be safely and effectively harnessed as a clean energy source.
Flaring is a leading source of the MENA region’s emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The report provides expert insights to help oil and gas professionals navigate digital transformation with confidence. (Image source: DataPARC)
The agentic AI solution is being rolled out across all ADNOC's upstream assets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
TotalEnergies will support the refinery with its global oil and feedstock supply capacity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The GGIP includes the recovery of gas currently flared in the Basra region to supply power generation plants. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Human factors need to be taken into account when addressing safety. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The collaboration resulted in improved drilling performance and reduced well construction time. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
AI has applications throughout the value chain in the oil and gas sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Operators have never needed to take safety and efficiency more seriously. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The partnership will enable HMi Elements to tap into Cobic-Ex’s global network. (Image source: HMi Elements)
To improve differentiation, hard hats can be customised with different colours and logos. (Image source: MSA Safety)
The programme will optimise asset lifecycle, enhance machinery performance and improve overall reliability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Integrating flame detection into safety systems can create a safer and more reliable environment. (Image source: MSA Safety)
HE Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, the president of Oman Investment Authority (OIA)
Offshore rig attrition by type and annual marketed utilisation. (Image source: Westwood)
The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)
The partnership will enhance the availability and quality of rotating equipment repairs and services across Qatar. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Share of energy sources in Saudi Arabia's power mix. (Image source: Rystad Energy)
The new discoveries are in the Eastern Region and Empty Quarter. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Industry 4.0 is transforming operations in the oil and gas sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The KM-250 expansion project is set to boost capacity by a further 50%. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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