ADNOC Gas plc, in partnership with Baker Hughes, has made a significant advancement in energy technology by successfully installing British climate technology firm Levidian’s patented LOOP technology at the Habshan Gas Processing Plant. This installation marks a historic moment as it is the first deployment of this technology at an operational gas processing site. The LOOP unit is designed to capture carbon from methane, the primary component of natural gas, and convert it into graphene, a versatile material poised to revolutionize various industrial applications.

The LOOP technology is capable of producing more than 1 tonne per annum (tpa) of graphene and 1 tpa of hydrogen. This dual-purpose innovation aligns with global energy transition goals. Future installations are projected to achieve an industrial-scale output of 15 tpa, significantly enhancing the potential for sustainable practices in the industry.

Mohamed Al Hashemi, Chief Operations Officer of ADNOC Gas, emphasized the importance of this project, stating that the deployment of LOOP technology marks a “significant milestone for ADNOC Gas.” He highlighted that by transforming methane into valuable graphene and clean hydrogen, the company is unlocking new value from natural gas, which drives decarbonization and supports the UAE’s industrial growth and climate ambitions. This initiative reflects ADNOC Gas’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable energy future while providing tangible benefits to the industries it serves.

Data collected during the pilot will contribute to the ongoing development of artificial intelligence modeling and digital twins. These advancements aim to minimize energy consumption and maximize graphene output for future installations, as part of Levidian’s expanding fleet of LOOP units.

Alessandro Bresciani, Senior Vice President Climate Technology Solutions at Baker Hughes, noted that this project illustrates how the collaboration between Baker Hughes and ADNOC Gas unlocks the potential of new decarbonization technologies. He acknowledged the challenges of bringing innovations from startups and research labs into complex industrial sites, emphasizing the need for technical skills and collaboration focused on health, safety, and environmental standards.

John Hartley, CEO of Levidian, expressed enthusiasm about the market demand for graphene and the collaboration with Baker Hughes and ADNOC. He stated that this partnership aims to unlock a new source of this super-material, positioning Levidian to become one of the world’s largest producers of more affordable and higher quality graphene with lower carbon intensity than currently available alternatives.

The graphene produced at the Habshan complex will be assessed and utilized by ADNOC’s Technology team to explore its potential applications. Graphene holds significant promise across various 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.