Project is enabled by ADNOC’s US$ 15bn allocation towards low-carbon solutions
ADNOC and the National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed), recently announced a breakthrough in the first project in the gulf region to harness geothermal energy following the conclusion of testing on two geothermal wells at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
The landmark project is set to decarbonize the cooling of buildings in Masdar City, further diversify the UAE’s energy mix and support the UAE National Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to grow renewable energy capacity to 14 GW by 2030, according to a press release.
The project is enabled by ADNOC’s initial US$ 15bn allocation towards low carbon solutions and will support its decarbonization plan and net zero by 2045 ambition as well as the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy and UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The hot water generated by the heat from the wells will now pass through an absorption cooling system to produce chilled water, which will then be supplied to Tabreed’s district cooling network at Masdar City, accounting for 10% of its cooling needs.
“By leveraging technological advances, for the first time ADNOC and Tabreed have unlocked this clean energy source to decarbonize one of the most energy intensive sectors in the country,” remarked Musabbeh Al Kaabi, ADNOC Executive Director for Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth.
“The integration of geothermal energy with district cooling operations represents a significant advancement in the UAE’s journey towards diversifying its energy mix and achieving net zero by 2050,” commented Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO, Tabreed.
