The UAE has launched its first initiative to inject CO₂ into deep saline aquifers for permanent geological sequestration.

Sven Kristian Hartvig, chief technology officer, RESMAN Energy Technology explains how the company’s advanced tracer technology is being used for CCS monitoring in Abu Dhabi’s saline aquifers

The UAE has launched its first initiative to inject CO₂ into deep saline aquifers for permanent geological sequestration. This inaugural industrial-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project involves storing captured CO₂ emissions in deep saline aquifers, leveraging a geological solution suited to the region’s unique subsurface characteristics. One of the central innovations lies in its leak-detection capabilities, integrating RESMAN’s chemical tracer technology deployed for the first time in the UAE to monitor storage integrity and swiftly pinpoint any leaks.

A comprehensive monitoring framework with Measurement, Monitoring and Verification (MMV) capabilities provides the sensitivity, diagnostic capability, and economic viability required for large-scale CCS deployment. The system is built to last—operational for 30 years post-injection, covering every phase from active storage to long-term verification, delivering real-time insights to verify caprock integrity, quantify leaks, and trace their sources.

The monitoring solution

The monitoring solution centers on RESMAN’s High Integrity Detection System (HIDS), deployed across a network of shallow soil sampling boreholes surrounding the injection site. The system’s defining technical characteristic is its 0.1 parts per trillion (ppt) tracer detection threshold for CO₂ leakage events, enabled by capillary adsorption tubes (CAT) that undergo scheduled retrieval and laboratory analysis.

Tracer monitoring delivers multi-layered verification of storage integrity through three core functions. Continuous surface soil monitoring assesses caprock integrity and simultaneously verifying integrity of legacy wells for leaks to the atmosphere. During post-injection phases, the system maintains active surveillance of stored CO2 utilising the same principles. Advanced diagnostics provide precise leakage quantification and source identification, particularly crucial for multi-injector configurations, where determining CO₂ migration origins is essential.

Shallow boreholes positioned near injection wells monitor any effects the CO₂ injection might have on the geological structure, through surface gas and tracer detection across all operational phases. Radially distributed soil monitoring arrays track potential caprock breaches, with diagnostic algorithms distinguishing between multiple potential leakage sources. The 30-year monitoring protocol spans active injection through post-operational stewardship.

Implementation involves scheduled tracer injection into the CO₂ stream with periodic CAT sample retrieval for laboratory analysis. The system's integrated architecture correlates surface measurements with downhole data, providing leak quantification and source identification capabilities that surpass conventional pressure-based monitoring methods.

The system’s 0.1 ppt tracer detection sensitivity permits early identification of containment breaches at scales previously undetectable. Economic efficiency is achieved through optimized tracer volumes that reduce material requirements without compromising monitoring fidelity. The technology’s eighteen-year track record in continuous monitoring applications demonstrates long-term reliability under field conditions. These attributes collectively ensure compliance with stringent MMV requirements for industrial-scale CCS deployments.

Project implications

This initiative establishes several important technical precedents for regional CCS development. It demonstrates the viability of saline aquifers as secure storage reservoirs while providing a practical template for long-term MMV framework implementation. The cost-efficiency of the monitoring solution addresses a key barrier to CCS scalability in the Middle East. Furthermore, the project’s thirty-year monitoring horizon sets a benchmark for stewardship accountability in geological carbon storage.

This article is based on two recently published scientific papers:
SPE-222348-MS: Chemical Tracer for Soil CCS Monitoring Application: Monitoring CO2 Storage in Saline Aquifers Using Advanced Chemical Tracer and Detection Technology
SPE222367 -MS: Falaha CCS Project - Pioneering Low Carbon Solutions with CO2 Sequestration in Deep Carbonate Saline Aquifers

RESMAN delivers proven tracer-based MMV technology for CCS projects, with over 18 years of continuous carbon storage monitoring experience. For more information, please visit www.resmanenergy.com 

CCS capacity is forecast to grow strongly.

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.

Andrew Dennant, general manager for HIMA Middle East FZE highlights the need for advanced safety systems to be integrated into the hydrogen value chain to ensure the successful and secure adoption of hydrogen in line with the UAE's sustainability goals

As the global energy landscape transitions toward sustainability, hydrogen has emerged as a promising resource, particularly for nations such as the UAE, where clean energy and sustainability are central to national priorities. While hydrogen offers substantial potential as an energy source and reduces carbon emissions, its safe use requires advanced functional safety solutions, especially in large-scale industrial applications.

The role of hydrogen in a sustainable future

Hydrogen is gaining increasing attention as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Currently, most hydrogen used in industrial processes is derived from natural gas, commonly called grey hydrogen. However, green hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power, is becoming increasingly significant. This process enables a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, positioning green hydrogen as a key component in the transition to a global zero-emission energy system.

In the UAE, green hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in decarbonising various sectors, including power generation, transportation and heavy industry. While hydrogen’s adoption remains limited, its use is anticipated to grow significantly as both technology and infrastructure continue to evolve.

Safe use of hydrogen in industrial applications

Hydrogen is already widely utilised in industrial processes, such as ammonia production for fertilisers and in high-temperature manufacturing processes. Despite its advantages, hydrogen poses unique safety challenges due to its highly flammable nature. Leaks or uncontained releases of hydrogen can result in significant safety hazards. Therefore, hydrogen must be handled with the utmost care during production, storage and transportation.

Ensuring the safe use of hydrogen in industrial settings requires the deployment of advanced safety solutions. These systems must be designed to mitigate the specific application risks if hydrogen is to be used safely throughout their entire lifecycle.

Functional safety solutions for hydrogen

In large-scale operations, such as power plants or industrial facilities, advanced safety systems are essential for managing the inherent risks of hydrogen. A key example is the hydrogen production process, which involves the use of electrolysers to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. These systems require comprehensive safety functions to monitor and safeguard critical factors such as pressure and temperature. As the scale of hydrogen production increases, the complexity and sophistication of safety systems must evolve to match the rising risks associated with large-scale operations.

Transportation and storage: the key challenges

Transportation and storage of hydrogen present additional safety challenges. Due to hydrogen’s molecular properties, it is a highly permeable gas that can leak through even the smallest of cracks in pipelines, posing significant risks. To prevent leaks, advanced leak detection systems are essential. These systems monitor pipelines and storage tanks, providing early warnings and enabling swift corrective action in the event of a leak. Hydrogen storage also requires specialised safety measures. Safety protocols must ensure that storage facilities are equipped with fail-safe systems to mitigate potential risks.

Hydrogen in public transportation: safe and clean

In the UAE, hydrogen is being explored as an alternative fuel for public transportation. Hydrogen-powered buses, trains and other vehicles offer a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuel-powered transportation, especially in urban areas where reducing emissions is a priority. However, the integration of hydrogen into public transportation systems requires careful planning and implementation of advanced safety measures.

Safety systems must be developed to manage the use of electricity or hydrogen, depending on the infrastructure. In areas without such infrastructure, hydrogen may serve as the primary energy source. This hybrid approach ensures the safe and efficient operation of hydrogen-powered transportation.

Smart security for safe hydrogen use

As the use of digital technologies and automation in hydrogen systems increases, cybersecurity becomes an increasingly critical aspect of functional safety. The potential for cyberattacks on hydrogen production, storage and transportation systems presents a significant risk to safe and reliable operations. Therefore, it is essential to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect these systems from malicious threats.

As the UAE continues to innovate in hydrogen technology, safeguarding these systems from cyber threats will be as crucial as the physical safety protocols in place to protect against other risks.

Looking ahead

The UAE is well-positioned to become a global leader in hydrogen production, particularly with its strong commitment to clean energy. However, to fully realise the potential of hydrogen as a key component of the UAE’s energy strategy, advanced safety solutions must be integrated across the entire hydrogen value chain. From production and storage to transportation and end use, these safety systems must evolve in tandem with technological advancements to mitigate risks and ensure the safe and efficient use of hydrogen.

By prioritising functional safety solutions, the UAE can lead by example in demonstrating how hydrogen can be safely and effectively harnessed as a clean energy source, further supporting the nation’s ambitious energy goals and contributing to global efforts toward a sustainable, zero-emission future.

Flaring is a leading source of the MENA region’s emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Fossil fuel operations in the Middle East and North Africa emitted around 20 Mt of methane in 2024, nearly all from oil and gas operations, with Iraq, Iran and Algeria accounting for more than 30% of the flared volumes and related methane emissions, according to the IEA’s latest Global Methane Tracker 2025

The recently updated Global Methane Tracker presents the IEA’s latest sector-wide emissions estimates – based on the most recent data from satellites and measurement campaigns – and discusses the various abatement measures available to tackle them.

Flaring is a leading source of the MENA region’s emissions, accounting for around 25% of the total. Performance varies greatly, with Libya, Algeria and Iran having relatively high upstream methane intensities, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates perform better than the global industry average.

Satellites made more than 800 methane emission observations over Algeria, 400 in Iran, and 165 in Iraq, with incomplete combustion from burning pits identified as the leading source of emissions in Algeria and Egypt, followed by gas lift system vents and equipment venting. Flaring and direct venting have also been identified as major sources in Iraq. The IEA is working to support Iraq’s oil and gas methane mitigation efforts.

The IEA highlights that many of the region’s national oil companies have joined the OGDC (Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter) or OGMP 2.0 (Oil & Gas Methane Partnership), including the UAE’s ADNOC, Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, Bahrain’s Bapco Energies and Petroleum Development Oman. All countries in the region participate in the Global Methane Pledge except for Algeria, Iran and Syria, with many also subscribed to the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative. However, fewer countries have developed regulations designed to limit oil and gas methane emissions. Most countries have flaring and venting restrictions, but flared volumes have increased by over 50% since 2010.

Global methane emissions remain stubbornly high

Globally, the fossil fuel sector is responsible for nearly one-third of methane emissions from human activity, according to the IEA. Emissions exceed 120 mn tonnes (Mt) annually, thanks to record production of oil, gas and coal, combined with limited mitigation efforts.

Abandoned wells and mines have been included in this year’s Global Methane Tracker for the first time, and were found to have contributed around 8 Mt to these emissions in 2024. Closure plans should include measures to mitigate methane emissions, the IEA says, noting that timely action is critical for effective mitigation as most emissions result from mines and wells that have recently been abandoned.

A further 20 Mt of methane arises from bioenergy production and consumption.

According to the Tracker, around 70% of annual methane emissions from the energy sector could be avoided with existing technologies such as leak detection and replacing faulty equipment. The IEA points out the cost-effectiveness of such measures, since the gas that is captured can be resold.

The Tracker finds that methane abatement could have made around 100 billion cubic metres of natural gas available to markets in 2024. A further 150 billion cubic metres of natural gas is flared globally each year, the majority of which is routine flaring and can be avoided.

IEA analysis finds a huge range in methane emissions intensities across different countries and companies. Raising awareness and spreading best practices are essential to narrow this gap, it notes.

Satellites are bringing increased transparency, with satellite-detected emissions from super-emitting methane events at oil and gas facilities rising to a record high in 2024.

While current methane pledges by companies and countries cover 80% of global oil and gas production, only around 5% of global oil and gas output comes with near-zero methane emissions. The focus should now be on turning pledges into action, the IEA says, with strong action needed to prevent a 0.1% C rise in global temperatures by 2050.

“Tackling methane leaks and flaring offers a double dividend: it alleviates pressure on tight gas markets in many parts of the world, enhancing energy security – and lowers emissions at the same time,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “However, the latest data indicates that implementation on methane has continued to fall short of ambitions. The IEA is working to ensure that governments and industry have the tools and knowledge they need to deliver on pledges and achieve the goals they have set.”