FUELLING A GREENER FUTURE As the world continues to move towards a sustainable future, the UAE is taking a proactive approach to achieve their ambitious goals for better customer experience
Since its creation half a decade ago, ADNOC Distribution has pioneered the service station experience by investing in countless new offerings. However, the journey is far from over and as a futurefocused company, ADNOC Distribution dreams big, standing at the forefront of change and sustainability, diversifying its offerings.
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he UAE has always been known for its opulence and grandeur. With the country’s vast oil reserves, the gas station culture has been a crucial part of daily life in the UAE. However, with the world moving towards sustainable energy sources and the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the face of gas stations in the UAE is changing. The UAE government is taking a proactive approach to achieve their ambitious goal of transitioning to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. One of the significant steps taken by the government is the launch of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the country’s total energy mix to 50 per cent by 2050. To achieve this, the UAE is focusing on investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear energy. As part of this transition, the UAE is also reimagining its gas stations. Many new gas stations in the UAE are now being designed to incorporate sustainable practices. These gas stations are not just offering petrol and diesel; they are also
serving as a hub for renewable energy, providing EV charging stations, and promoting eco-friendly practices. One of the innovative initiatives taken by the UAE’s gas stations is the installation of solar panels. These solar panels power the station’s electricity needs and provide surplus energy to the grid. This helps reduce the dependence on non-renewable sources of energy and promotes the use of renewable energy. Another sustainable initiative taken by the UAE’s gas stations is the installation of EV charging stations. With the
increasing demand for electric vehicles, the UAE is providing more EV charging stations across the country. Many gas stations have now started offering EV charging services to attract environmentally conscious customers. The EV charging stations are powered by renewable energy sources like solar power, making them a greener alternative to traditional petrol stations. Moreover, the gas stations in the UAE
One of the significant steps taken by the government is the launch of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the country’s total energy mix to 50 per cent by 2050. To achieve this, the UAE is focusing on investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear energy.
are promoting eco-friendly practices like recycling, water conservation, and waste reduction. These practices are implemented by using sustainable materials for construction, reducing plastic usage, and implementing water-saving measures. Many gas stations in the UAE are now adopting green roofs, which helps reduce heat absorption and improve air quality. In addition to this, the UAE’s gas stations are now becoming a one-stop-shop for convenience and sustainable practices. These gas stations are now offering sustainable products like reusable water bottles, eco-friendly snacks, and organic coffee. This shift towards sustainable practices not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also creates a more positive impact on the environment. One company that has been playing its part in the march towards sustainability has been the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), which has catalysed the collective energy transformation drive. Since its creation half a decade ago, ADNOC Distribution has pioneered the service station experience by investing in countless new offerings. However, the journey is far from over and as a futurefocused company, ADNOC Distribution dreams big, standing at the forefront of change and sustainability, diversifying its offerings and responding to the demands of customers and shareholders alike. Gas stations are starting to incorpo-
rate technology into their operations. This can be seen in the use of mobile apps to pay for fuel, or in the use of AI to optimise the use of energy within the station. The growing use of smart devices is driving the adoption of cashless payments in petrol pumps. The options today include paying with debit/credit cards, digital wallets, as well as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that deduct the amount from a registered account. These smart payment solutions are enabling people to manage their accounts from anywhere and anytime using smartphones or tablets. Enabling such payments demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to the Smart City initiative, and drives innovation and enhances customer experience. Overall, the changing face of gas stations in the UAE is a reflection of the country’s commitment to sustainability. By embracing alternative fuels, incorporating sustainable design elements, and incorporating technology into their operations, gas stations are playing a key role in helping the UAE reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The changing face of gas stations in the UAE is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainability. The UAE’s transition towards renewable energy and sustainability is not just limited to gas stations; it is being implemented in various sectors like transportation, construction, and manufacturing. The country’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a challenging task, but the UAE’s innovative and sustainable initiatives are paving the way towards a greener future.
POWERING PROGRESS
Gas companies in the UAE forge a sustainable future, combating climate change and embracing renewable energy Anam Khan
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anam@khaleejtimes.com
ustainability has become an increasingly important aspect of business operations across various industries, and the gas sector in the UAE is no exception. As concerns about climate change and environmental impact grow, gas companies in the UAE are taking significant steps towards adopting sustainable practices, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting renewable energy sources. Achieving Zero Flaring The UAE, being a major global player in the energy sector, recognises the importance of transitioning towards a more sustainable future. Gas companies in the UAE are actively embracing this transition by investing in sustainable technologies and initiatives that align with the nation’s vision for a greener economy. The flaring of natural gas as a by-product of oil production wastes contributes to severe air pollution and GHG emissions. The UAE has succeeded in reducing the flaring of natural gas from the oil and gas industry since the 1990s and its policy is shifting from minimal flaring to zero-tolerance. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) group aims to eliminate routine flaring and reduced flaring by 76.4 per cent in 2013.
Within the ADNOC group, an offshore exploration and production (E&P) company has already achieved zero flaring at its Zakum oilfields for the first time. Onshore, an ADNOC gas E&P company developed a flare management strategy for its Shah Gas Development Project, with the aim of minimising flaring from well-testing and clean-up operations. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has accumulated knowledge on formulating policies and projects to reduce flaring and has been serving as a partner of the World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership since 2009. To share its advanced experiences of flaring reduction, Abu Dhabi has been hosting the annual Flare Management and Reduction Summit since 2012. Moreover, gas companies in the UAE are actively involved in research and development initiatives focused on sustainable technologies. They are collaborating with government agencies, research institutions, and industry partners to drive innovation in areas such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies. These technologies play a vital role in capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions, thereby mitigating their impact on the environment. Furthermore, gas companies in the UAE are actively engaged in community outreach and awareness programmes. They are educating the public about the importance of sustainability and the role of natural gas as a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels. The commitment of gas companies in the UAE to sustainability is also reflected in their corporate social responsibility initiatives. They are actively involved in supporting commu-
nity development projects, environmental conservation efforts, and initiatives that promote social welfare. By investing in these initiatives, gas companies are contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of the communities in which they operate. Furthermore, the UAE government has played a significant role in promoting sustainability in the gas sector. It has implemented policies and regulations that incentivise and encourage gas companies to adopt sustainable practices. These policies include renewable energy targets, carbon pricing mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks that promote energy efficiency and emissions reduction. In 2022, ADNOC, Taqa and Mubadala entered a partnership to become shareholders of Masdar, to advance efforts to create a world-leading portfolio in clean energy. This strategic partnership will launch with over 23GW of current committed, and exclusive renewable energy capacity. It immediately positions Masdar as one of the largest clean energy companies globally, with the ambition to grow to well over 50 GW by 2030. Today, oil and gas exports account for only about 30 per cent of the UAE’s economic activity. UAE 2050 Energy Goals The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative – the first of any country in the Middle East – aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and with the UAE’s development vision to create new knowledge along with green industries, skills and jobs. As the first country in the region to deploy industrial-scale carbon capture technology, the UAE is pragmatic about the present because even in the swiftest energy transition scenario, the world will still need oil and gas for the near future. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 targets an energy mix that combines renewable, nuclear and clean energy sources to meet the UAE’s economic requirements and environmental goals as follows: • 44 per cent clean energy • 38 per cent gas • 12 per cent clean coal • 6 per cent nuclear Gas companies in the UAE are embracing sustainability as a fundamental aspect of their operations. Through a combination of emission reduction, renewable energy adoption, research and development, community engagement, and government support, these companies are driving the transition towards a more sustainable and greener future.
FROM MILESTONES TO INNOVATIONS Empowering Adnoc Fueling Stations with cutting-edge technology and unmatched convenience, Gilbarco Vedeer-Root highlights its overall journey with Adnand the latest addition FutureReady Dispensers; Latitude
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ilbarco Veeder-Root has been successfully a part of Adnoc’s journey, where Gilbarco Veeder-Root Latitude dispensers and other forecourt automation solutions, can be seen through multiple Adnoc Fueling Stations across the UAE. Latitude dispensers follow a long tradition of innovation and enterprise that Gilbarco Veeder-Root has established for over 100 years. Engineered for efficiency and security, but designed for convenience; Latitude will exceed expectations at every step of the customer’s journey. Its modern, uniform design has been carefully crafted to enable an engaging experience that drives forecourt traffic, fosters loyalty, and grows with the business. “We set out to design a path-breaking
dispensing solution keeping in mind the future investments of our business partners,” said Allen Youssef, Head of Marketing - MEA. “The result of this thoughtful design process was the Latitude fuel dispenser.” Here are some of the features that make Latitude dispensers the best solution for fuel stations with its unique design and new-age blueprint: • Powersafe Electronics that minimise dispenser breakdown. • Tamper resistance. • Easy View display to reassure consumers they’re getting exactly what they’ve paid for. • Opti-flow hydraulics with improved suction performance. • A lighted canopy that welcomes and directs customers to the next available fuelling position. • Multimedia screen with a large display that delights customers and drives the upsell. For more information on Latitude and to book a free consultation, please visit https://www.gilbarco.com/mea/our-solutions/fuel-dispensers/latitude, or get in touch through the following email: gvr-mea-marketing@gilbarco.com
