ADNOC Allocates $15 Bn to Low-Carbon Solutions

The ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
The ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
TT

ADNOC Allocates $15 Bn to Low-Carbon Solutions

The ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
The ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

ADNOC allocated $15 billion for landmark decarbonization projects by 2030, including carbon capture, electrification, new CO2 absorption technology, and enhanced investments in hydrogen and renewables.  

The announcement followed the guidance of ADNOC's Board of Directors in November 2022 to accelerate the delivery of its low-carbon growth strategy and approve its Net Zero by 2050 ambition. 

It was established on ADNOC's strong track record as a leading lower-carbon intensity energy producer, which includes its use of zero-carbon grid power, a commitment to zero flaring as part of routine operations, and deployment of the region's first carbon capture project at scale. 

ADNOC's projects would include investments in clean power, carbon capture and storage (CCS), further electrification of its operations, energy efficiency, and new measures to build on ADNOC's long-standing policy of zero routine gas flaring.  

ADNOC would also apply a rigorous commercial and sustainability assessment to ensure that each project delivers lasting, tangible impact.  

Throughout 2023, a suite of new projects and initiatives will be announced, including a first-of-its-kind CCS project, innovative carbon removal technologies, investment in new, cleaner energy solutions, and strengthening of international partnerships.  

Aside from the formation of ADNOC's new Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth Directorate, the projects represent tangible and concrete action as the company reduces its carbon intensity by 25 percent by 2030 and moves towards its Net Zero by 2050 ambition.  

UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sultan al-Jaber stressed that ADNOC continues to take significant steps to make today's energy cleaner while investing in the clean energies and new technologies of tomorrow.  

Jaber, ADNOC Managing Director and CEO, noted that now, more than ever, the world needs a practical and responsible approach to the energy transition that is both pro-growth and pro-climate, and ADNOC is delivering tangible actions in support of both these goals.  

"Cementing our strong track record of responsible and reliable energy production, ADNOC will fast-track significant investments into landmark clean energy, low-carbon, and decarbonization technology projects," he remarked.  

"We continue to future-proof our business. We invite technology and industry leaders to partner with us, to collectively drive real and meaningful action that embraces the energy transition," he said.  

Jaber asserted that the strategic, multi-billion-dollar initiative underscores ADNOC's industry leadership as a leading global provider of lower-carbon energy.  

Building on ADNOC's al-Reyadah facility, which can capture up to 800,000 tons of CO2 per year, the company will announce plans to deploy technologies to capture, store, and absorb CO2.  

ADNOC is leveraging the UAE's geological properties while preparing for its next significant investment to capture emissions from its Habshan gas processing facility.  

The company planned to expand its carbon capture capacity to 5 million tons per annum by 2030, firmly establishing the UAE as a worldwide hub for carbon capture expertise and innovation. 



Fitch Revises Italy's Outlook to 'Positive' on Stronger Fiscal Performance

Porta Nuova's financial district is seen in downtown Milan, Italy, May 16, 2018. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Porta Nuova's financial district is seen in downtown Milan, Italy, May 16, 2018. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
TT

Fitch Revises Italy's Outlook to 'Positive' on Stronger Fiscal Performance

Porta Nuova's financial district is seen in downtown Milan, Italy, May 16, 2018. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Porta Nuova's financial district is seen in downtown Milan, Italy, May 16, 2018. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Global credit ratings agency Fitch on Friday revised its outlook on Italy to 'positive' from 'stable', citing recent improvements in the fiscal performance of the euro zone's third largest economy and its commitment to EU budget regulations.
The upgrade to the outlook is a boost to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government and comes shortly after Rome reached an agreement with the European Commission on a seven-year budget adjustment, said Reuters.
"Italy's fiscal credibility has increased, and the 2025 budget underscores the government's commitment to EU fiscal rules," Fitch said in a statement.
The agency confirmed Italy's rating at 'BBB'.
In June, the Commission placed Italy and six other countries under a disciplinary procedure due to high budget deficits. Italy's 2023 shortfall came in at 7.2% of gross domestic product, the highest in the 20-nation euro zone.
However, last month the Italian government revised down its targets for the deficit this year and next, to 3.8% and 3.3% of GDP respectively, and said the deficit would fall below the EU’s 3% limit in 2026.
"The judgments of the ratings agencies are the result of the responsible actions of this government and they underscore Italy's credibility," Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said in a statement after Fitch's announcement.
Earlier on Friday, S&P Global confirmed its rating on Italy at 'BBB' and left the outlook at 'stable'.
RISING DEBT
Despite the narrowing annual budget deficits, Italy's debt, proportionally the second highest in the euro zone, is forecast by the government to climb from 134.8% of gross domestic product last year to 137.8% in 2026, before gradually declining.
The Treasury says the projected increase is due to costly home renovation incentives adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, known as the Superbonus scheme.
The premium investors pay to hold Italian government bonds over top-rated German ones narrowed on Friday to around 116 basis points, the lowest level since end-2021.
Analysts said earlier this week that positive news from any of the ratings agencies due to review Italy could trigger a further narrowing of the yield spread against Germany.
Fitch said its revision to Italy's outlook was also driven by "signs of stronger potential growth and a more stable political context."
The Italian economy expanded by 0.7% in 2023, and most analysts expect a similar modest growth rate this year, slightly below the government's official 1% target.
Meloni, who took office two years ago, retains high approval ratings and opinion polls show her right-wing Brothers of Italy party is comfortably the largest in Italy, with popular support of almost 30%, up from the 26% it won at the 2022 election.
Italy faces further credit rating reviews by Moody's, DBRS and Scope Ratings over the next few weeks up to No. 29.