ADNOC Gas recently announced that it partnered with Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, to successfully install British climate technology firm Levidian’s patented LOOP technology at the Habshan Gas Processing Plant.
This marks the first-ever deployment of the technology at an operational gas processing site. ADNOC Gas will utilize the LOOP technology to capture carbon from methane, the main constituent of natural gas, and transform it into graphene, a material set to shape the future of multiple industrial applications.
“The deployment of LOOP technology is a significant milestone for ADNOC Gas. By transforming methane into valuable graphene and clean hydrogen, we are unlocking new value from natural gas, driving decarbonization and supporting the UAE’s industrial growth and climate ambitions,” stated Mohamed Al Hashemi, chief operations officer at ADNOC Gas.
LOOP unit to produce graphene, hydrogen
The LOOP unit is capable of producing more than 1 ton per annum of graphene and 1 ton per annum of hydrogen, making it a dual-purpose innovation that aligns with global energy transition goals. Future industrial-scale installations will likely deliver 15 tons per annum.
“This project reflects our dedication to shaping a more sustainable energy future while delivering tangible benefits for the industries we serve,” added Al Hashemi.
Notably, the Habshan complex, one of the world’s largest gas processing plants, processes around 6 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, supplying natural gas to utilities and industrial customers across the UAE, including water desalination and steel.
AI modeling to maximize output
Data collected during the pilot will be used to refine the ongoing development of AI modeling and digital twins to minimize energy consumption and maximize graphene output from future installations as part of Levidian’s growing fleet of LOOP units.
“This project demonstrates once more how the collaboration between Baker Hughes and ADNOC Gas unlocks the potential of new decarbonization technologies. Bringing innovation from startups and research labs into the reality of complex industrial sites requires technical skills and the highest level of collaboration and focus on health, safety and environment,” stated Alessandro Bresciani, senior vice president of climate technology solutions at Baker Hughes.
Read: Abu Dhabi’s Tadweer Group launches 40 percent emission reduction plan by 2035
Graphene’s uses in key industries
ADNOC’s Technology team will evaluate and utilize the graphene from the Habshan complex to explore possible applications. Graphene has several potential uses across industries from enhancing the performance of electric vehicle batteries and solar panels to creating stronger, more durable materials such as concrete, tires and polymer pipes.
“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, which will help establish Levidian as one of the world’s largest producers of graphene that is less carbon intensive, more affordable and of a consistently higher quality than anything available on the market today,” added John Hartley, CEO of Levidian.
