A new sustainable water project for UAE big oil: A consortium comprising Orascom Construction (OC), Metito, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) will establish a USD 2.4 bn mega seawater treatment and water supply project in the UAE, according to statements by the consortium (pdf) and Adnoc.

The details: The large-scale greenfield project includes a seawater nanofiltration plant with a treatment capacity of over 110 mn imperial gallons per day (c. 500k m3/day) to serve Adnoc’s onshore operations. It will also include seawater intake and outfall facilities, pumping stations, a 75-km water transmission pipeline and an in-field distribution network of over 230 km to support reservoir pressure maintenance in the Bab and Bu Hasa oil fields in Abu Dhabi.

Energy efficiency all the way: The project will replace the aquifer water injection systems currently used by Adnoc in its onshore oil fields, allowing a sustainable water supply for the state oil giant’s onshore operations and preserving the country’s natural aquifer resources. It will also boost energy efficiency by up to 30% and slash Adnoc’s environmental footprint in comparison with the currently used injection system.

Where is the money coming from? The project will be funded through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under a build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) model for 30 years, the statement notes. It will then be returned to Adnoc after the 30-year period ends. Adnoc and Taqa will jointly hold a 51% stake in the SPV, while Orascom Construction and Metito will each own 24.5% of the entity.

REMEMBER– Adnoc has taken several steps to reduce its carbon footprint: Earlier this year, Adnoc said it will allocate USD 15 bn to decarbonization projects by 2030. The projects include investments in clean power, carbon capture and storage, electrification, and energy efficiency. The company set up a new division late last year focused on low-carbon solutions and international growth. It also reached financial close with Taqa last September on a USD 3.8 bn project to build a subsea transmission network designed to reduce emissions at offshore production facilities by providing them with mainland power.