Abu Dhabi, UAE — ADNOC Drilling has started the operation of first of its brand-new hybrid-powered land rigs that use a high-capacity battery and engine automation to reduce carbon emissions.
The hybrid power technology system stores energy in its batteries to use when there is a need for continuous power or to provide instant extra power when there is an increase in demand, reducing a rig’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 percent compared to a traditional rig.
In 2023, the company acquired 16 such rigs for a combined $327 million investment, driving the organization’s accelerated rig fleet expansion program. The remaining 14 newbuild rigs are expected to join ADNOC Drilling’s operational fleet progressively throughout the year.
From an environmental standpoint, in addition to reducing overall emissions, hybrid rigs typically operate at lower noise levels, which helps to minimise their impact on the surrounding environments.
Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Seiari, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Drilling, said, “The addition of hybrid rigs into our fleet marks the latest endeavor undertaken by ADNOC Drilling in alignment with our ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas intensity by 25 percent by 2030, as well as supporting ADNOC’s Net Zero by 2045 target. But it isn’t the only initiative that we have committed to within the last year.”
ADNOC Drilling also contributed to carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives in recent years. In 2023, the company, on behalf of ADNOC, delivered the world’s first fully sequestered carbon dioxide (CO2) injection well in a carbonate saline aquifer.
Part of ADNOC’s $23 billion allocation towards low carbon solutions and landmark projects to decarbonize its operations, the well will permanently store a minimum of 18,000 tons of CO2 per year.
