DNV certifies first CO2 storage site in Middle East for ADNOC CCS project

DNV has certified the feasibility of ADNOC’s West Aquifer carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage site in the UAE, marking a significant milestone in the Middle East’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) efforts.

This certification supports ADNOC’s ambition to reach net-zero by 2045 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, highlighting the region’s commitment to climate action and sustainable energy solutions. 

The issuance of the Certificate of Feasibility for the West Aquifer project covers the initial subsurface assessments of the Simsima and UER saline reservoirs. The project, guided by DNV-SE-0473, which is based on the ISO 27914 standard, is a vital first step in verifying long-term CO₂ storage feasibility. 

Santiago Blanco, Executive Vice President & Regional Director Southern Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Africa, Energy Systems at DNV, commented: “Certifying the West Aquifer CO₂ storage site is an important milestone, not just for ADNOC but for the region’s commitment to addressing climate challenges. This project serves as a tangible step toward meeting the UAE’s Net Zero goals and highlights the vital role that CCS will play in shaping a sustainable energy future.” 

According to DNV’s 2024 “Energy Transition Outlook,” the global energy transition is accelerating, with significant investments in CCS technologies expected to play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report highlights that CCS is essential for achieving net-zero targets, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. 

Hanan Balalaa, ADNOC Senior Vice President for New Energies, said: “The certification of ADNOC’s West Aquifer site by DNV builds on our track record of successful deployment of carbon capture across Abu Dhabi and our global leadership in this critical decarbonization solution. We will continue to work with our partners and customers to develop and scale up this technology as we aim to expand our carbon capture capacity to 10 million tonnes per annum by 2030.” 

This certification underscores the importance of independent verification in ensuring that industry best practices are followed. DNV’s expertise in rigorous assessment processes, including due diligence across all technical aspects, helps to ensure that the site is equipped for safe and effective CO₂ storage. 

The West Aquifer project is part of ADNOC’s broader CCS efforts, which aim to reduce industrial CO₂ emissions. The success of this project demonstrates the region’s ability to adopt advanced solutions for climate mitigation and sets an example for future initiatives across the Middle East. 

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