As global oil consumption crosses the 100 mmbbl per day mark, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is reinforcing its leadership role and commitment to environmental stewardship, as it strengthens its position as one of the oil and gas industry’s lowest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG)
While addressing rising global energy demand, ADNOC is investing in new measures to reduce its environmental footprint. It plans to further reduce GHG emissions by up to 10 percent by 2023, substantially increase its use of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology, reduce its use of potable water and cut the volume of waste sent to landfill sites.
According to the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) Environmental Performance Report for 2017, ADNOC ranked in the top five lowest GHG emitters, with less than half the industry average, at 39.68mn tonne CO2e, and has one of the lowest methane intensities of 0.01 per cent. At the same time, ADNOC has reduced the volume of natural gas flared by more than 72 per cent since 1995.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and ADNOC Group CEO, said, “ADNOC’s commitment to environmental stewardship has been a cornerstone of our operations since the company was founded in 1971. It reflects the foresight and vision of the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who understood the importance of sustainability and protecting the country’s natural ecosystems. The principles behind Sheikh Zayed’s environmental legacy guide us today and will continue to do so in the future.”
“For decades to come, the world will depend on hydrocarbons to meet its growing energy, refined product and petrochemical needs. As part of ADNOC’s Oil & Gas 4.0 strategy, we are at the forefront of utilizing innovative and advanced technology that well not only help us meet future energy demand but also ensure our operations are sustainable and have minimal environmental impacts.
ADNOC’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations begins before the first well is drilled. Baseline Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) surveys are carried out before new work begins, and environmental monitoring is undertaken throughout construction – and during operations – to ensure there are no unanticipated impacts on ecosystems. This is supplemented with continuous environmental monitoring – from the development and active phases of projects through to decommissioning.
A prime example of ADNOC’s holistic approach to environmental protection is the pre-production work being conducted around its Hail, Ghasha and Dalma mega-sour gas development, which, when it comes online, will make a significant contribution to ADNOC’s commitment to enable the UAE to become gas self-sufficient with the potential to become a net gas exporter.
