Adnoc Gas, in partnership with Baker Hughes, is to use technology at its Habshan Gas Processing Plant that converts methane from natural gas into graphene and hydrogen.
Levidian, a British climate technology firm, developed the patented “Loop” technology, which captures carbon from methane, the main component of natural gas, and converts it into graphene – a material expected to revolutionise industrial applications.
It is the first-ever use of the technology at an operational gas processing site, Adnoc Gas said.
The Loop unit can generate more than one tonne per year (tpa) of graphene and the same for hydrogen, with future large-scale installations projected to produce up to 15 tpa.
The Habshan complex’s five plants in Abu Dhabi have a total capacity to process 6.1 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
“By transforming methane into valuable graphene and clean hydrogen, we are unlocking new value from natural gas, driving decarbonisation and supporting the UAE’s industrial growth and climate ambitions,” said chief operations officer Mohamed Al Hashemi.
Data gathered during the pilot will be used to enhance the development of AI models and digital twins, aiming to reduce energy consumption and optimise graphene production in future installations across Levidian’s Loop units, Adnoc Gas said.
The graphene produced at the Habshan complex will be assessed and used by Adnoc’s technology team to explore potential applications.
Graphene's uses range from boosting the performance of electric vehicle batteries and solar panels to creating stronger, more durable materials such as concrete, tyres and polymer pipes.
Adnoc and Baker Hughes have signed several agreements to accelerate the development and commercialisation of low-carbon technologies.
In 2023, Adnoc awarded a contract valued at more than $400 million to Baker Hughes for the supply of all-electric compression systems for its LNG project in Ruwais.
“We’re seeing huge appetite within the market for our graphene and are excited to be working with Baker Hughes and Adnoc to unlock a new source of this super-material,” said John Hartley, chief executive of Levidian.
The announcement comes as oil and gas companies look for ways to control methane emissions, which have 80 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide.
After CO2 emissions, methane is the second largest human-produced contributor to climate change.
Climate experts see reducing the international output of methane as the most effective and least disruptive way to slow the increase in global temperatures over the next few decades.
Adnoc Gas recently boosted its capital expenditure target in response to a projected surge in natural gas demand within the UAE.
The Adnoc subsidiary plans to spend up to $15 billion from 2025 to 2029, an increase from its previous target of $13 billion.
Also on Thursday, Adnoc said it had partnered with two research organisations part of the UAE's Advanced Technology Research Council to explore the use of quantum technology for carbon storage and battery optimisation.
The partnership – with the Technology Innovation Institute and Aspire – will involve the use of quantum sensing technology to detect subtle environmental changes such as shifts in magnetic or electrical properties, enhancing safety, preventing leaks and improving the long-term reliability of carbon capture and storage systems.
Monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safe and secure storage of CO2 captured from industrial sources.
“At Adnoc, we are committed to leveraging the latest technologies and are proud to serve as a test bed for UAE-grown innovations,” said chief technology officer Sophie Hildebrand.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The Intruder
Director: Deon Taylor
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good
One star
more from Janine di Giovanni
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Virtual banks explained
What is a virtual bank?
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority defines it as a bank that delivers services through the internet or other electronic channels instead of physical branches. That means not only facilitating payments but accepting deposits and making loans, just like traditional ones. Other terms used interchangeably include digital or digital-only banks or neobanks. By contrast, so-called digital wallets or e-wallets such as Apple Pay, PayPal or Google Pay usually serve as intermediaries between a consumer’s traditional account or credit card and a merchant, usually via a smartphone or computer.
What’s the draw in Asia?
Hundreds of millions of people under-served by traditional institutions, for one thing. In China, India and elsewhere, digital wallets such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and Paytm have already become ubiquitous, offering millions of people an easy way to store and spend their money via mobile phone. Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines are also among the world’s biggest under-banked countries; together they have almost half a billion people.
Is Hong Kong short of banks?
No, but the city is among the most cash-reliant major economies, leaving room for newcomers to disrupt the entrenched industry. Ant Financial, an Alibaba Group Holding affiliate that runs Alipay and MYBank, and Tencent Holdings, the company behind WeBank and WeChat Pay, are among the owners of the eight ventures licensed to create virtual banks in Hong Kong, with operations expected to start as early as the end of the year.
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
World Cup final
Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region
