ADNOC, Baker Hughes partner to advance hydrogen technology

ADNOC Group and Baker Hughes have agreed to accelerate the development and commercialisation of technology solutions for green and low-carbon hydrogen, as well as graphene.

The agreement follows a strategic technology collaboration agreement signed between the two entities in November 2022. It will see ADNOC collaborate with Baker Hughes as a strategic partner to study and pilot the deployment of innovative solutions from the latter’s hydrogen portfolio.

These include new growth stage decarbonisation technologies Baker Hughes has invested in across the graphene, methane pyrolysis and next-generation electrolysis spaces.

We’ve signed an agreement with @bakerhughesco to test and deploy technology from their portfolio that could lead to the production of low-carbon and green hydrogen at scale, as well as graphene – a promising material for decarbonization. #UAEClimateTech #EnergyForLife

— ADNOC Group (@ADNOCGroup) May 10, 2023

“We look forward to working in partnership with Baker Hughes, and its venture companies, as part of our continuing journey to transform, decarbonise, and future-proof the way we provide energy to the world,” said Musabbeh Al Kaabi, ADNOC executive director, Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth Directorate.

“The unique properties of graphene make it a promising agent to help decarbonise a variety of hard-to-abate sectors while hydrogen can serve to accelerate decarbonisation as it does ADNOC Classification: Public not generate any carbon emissions at the point of use.”

Under the agreement, ADNOC will leverage Baker Hughes’ extensive hydrogen expertise and broad portfolio to test and develop solutions to produce low-cost green hydrogen and graphene at scale, helping to decarbonise operations. The collaboration will include exploring the application of three emerging technologies that Baker Hughes has invested in.

• Piloting next-generation electrolyser technology from Nemesys, to explore the possibility of installing and operating an electrolyzer at the ADNOC Research and Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi, building on the centre’s growing portfolio of technology development capabilities.
• Field testing methane plasma technology from Levidian to capture carbon in the form of high-quality graphene and hydrogen in ADNOC Gas facilities. The graphene produced will be tested for industrial use cases by researchers at Khalifa University (RIC-2D).
• Testing the use of Ekona Power’s growth stage methane pyrolysis technology to produce low-Green House Gases (GHG) intensity hydrogen.

“Collaboration is crucial to supporting and accelerating the growth of low-carbon energy sources. This agreement is a further testament to Baker Hughes’ strategy and commitment toward transforming the energy industry to support global climate change goals,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO.

Baker Hughes has been a longstanding strategic partner to ADNOC, deploying advanced technologies and solutions across the energy value chain.

ADNOC’s decarbonisation strategy

Meanwhile, the partnership between ADNOC and Baker Hughes builds on the UAE energy firm’s $15bn commitment towards decarbonisation projects by 2030.

Earlier this year, the Abu Dhabi energy group said it will invest in clean power, carbon capture and storage (CCS), further electrify its operations and leverage energy efficiency and other innovative measures to build on its long-standing policy of zero routine gas flaring.

The board of directors approved in November 2022 the acceleration of the company’s low-carbon growth strategy and its goal of net zero by 2050. The company plans to grow its carbon capture capacity to 5 million tonnes by that year.

Throughout 2023, the Abu Dhabi energy group will unveil new projects and initiatives, including a CCS project, innovative carbon removal technologies, investment in new, cleaner energy solutions and strengthening of international partnerships.

ADNOC is also working closely with its international partners and stakeholders across the energy value chain to collaborate on technology, best practices and policy to support and drive global decarbonization efforts.

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