ADNOC Allocates $15 Bn to Low-Carbon Solutions

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



Biden Blocks Takeover of US Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel

FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo
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Biden Blocks Takeover of US Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel

FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo

US President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion purchase of US Steel on Friday, citing national security concerns, dealing a potentially fatal blow to the contentious plan after a year of review.

The deal was announced in December 2023 and almost immediately ran into opposition across the political spectrum ahead of the Nov. 5 US presidential election. Both then-candidate Donald Trump and Biden vowed to block the purchase of the storied American company, the first to be valued at more than $1 billion. US Steel once controlled most of the country's steel output but is now the third-largest US steelmaker and 24th biggest worldwide.

"A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains," Reuters quoted Biden as saying. "Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure."

Nippon, the world's fourth-largest steelmaker, paid a hefty premium to clinch the deal and made several concessions, including a last-ditch gambit to give the US government veto power over changes to output, but to no avail.

In a statement, Nippon and US Steel blasted Biden's decision, calling it a "clear violation of due process" and a political move, and saying they would "take all appropriate action" to protect their legal rights.
Pittsburgh-based US Steel had warned that thousands of jobs would be at risk without the deal.
US Steel CEO David Burritt said late on Friday the company planned to fight Biden's decision, which he termed "shameful and corrupt." He added that the president had insulted Japan and also refused to meet with the US company to learn its point of view.
"The Chinese Communist Party leaders in Beijing are dancing in the streets," Burritt added.
The United Steelworkers union, which opposed the merger from the outset, praised Biden's decision, with USW President David McCall saying the union has "no doubt that it's the right move for our members and our national security."
White House spokesperson John Kirby defended the decision.
"This isn't about Japan. This is about US steelmaking and keeping one of the largest steel producers in the United States an American-owned company," Kirby said, rejecting suggestions the decision could raise questions about the reliability of the US as a partner. Nippon Steel has previously threatened legal action if the deal was blocked. Lawyers have said Nippon Steel's vow to mount a legal challenge against the US government would be tough.
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States spent months reviewing the deal for national security risks but referred the decision to Biden in December, after failing to reach consensus.
It is unclear whether another buyer will emerge. US Steel has reported nine consecutive quarters of falling profits amid a global downturn in the steel industry. US-based Cleveland-Cliffs, which previously bid for the company, has seen its share price fall to the point where its market value is lower than that of US Steel.
Shares of US Steel closed down 6.5% at $30.47 on the New York Stock Exchange.
A spokesperson for President-elect Trump, who also vowed to block the deal, did not immediately comment on Friday.