POWERING PROGRESS

nity development projects, environmen tal 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 promot ing sustainability in the gas sector. It has implemented policies and regula tions that incentivise and encourage gas companies to adopt sustainable practices. These policies include re newable energy targets, carbon pricing mechanisms, and regulatory frame works that promote energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

Gas companies in the UAE forge a sustainable future, combating climate change and embracing renewable energy

Anam Khan anam@khaleejtimes.com

Sustainability 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-

In 2022, ADNOC, Taqa and Mubada la entered a partnership to become shareholders of Masdar, to advance ef forts to create a world-leading portfolio in clean energy. This strategic partner ship will launch with over 23GW of cur rent committed, and exclusive renew able 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 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.

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.

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 -

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.