MUSCAT, APRIL 23
International oil services giant SLB (rebranded from Schlumberger) is leveraging its formidable expertise to support energy companies in the region achieve their decarbonisation goals.
Speaking at the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2024 conference on Monday, Karim Badawi, Director of New Energy for Middle East and North Africa at SLB, delved into the intricate landscape of decarbonisation, offering insights into both short-term deployment strategies and long-term technological innovations. Badawi's perspectives shed light on the evolving energy paradigm and the imperative of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable solutions.
Badawi highlighted the availability of diverse technologies poised for immediate adoption. Among these, carbon storage emerges as a compelling solution. With advancements in carbon storage technology and a growing focus on decarbonisation, opportunities abound for commercial-scale deployment. Badawi cited the example of a landmark carbon capture and storage project in collaboration with Saudi Aramco, underscoring the MENA region's potential to leverage its geological assets for storage initiatives.
Geothermal energy, characterised by its reliability and scalability, offers a green base load of energy that can be harnessed at scale, according to the SLB executive. In this regard, he referenced ongoing collaborations in Oman, driven by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, as a testament to the region's commitment to unlocking geothermal resources. With seismic activity concentrated in areas like the "Ring of Fire," geothermal technology presents a mature and viable option for sustainable energy production, he noted.
Renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, has evolved into a mainstream solution, buoyed by technological advancements and cost efficiencies. Badawi emphasised the abundance of renewable resources in the Mena region, positioning wind and solar as pivotal components of green energy strategies. Notably, Oman's ambitious green hydrogen strategy underscores the role of renewables in mitigating carbon intensity across various industries, he said.
Looking ahead, Badawi underscored the evolving landscape of capture technology and hydrogen production. Collaborative endeavors, such as SLB's joint venture with carbon capture company, Aker, exemplify the industry's commitment to accelerating technological advancements.
Hydrogen, poised to play a central role in the energy transition, presents opportunities for low-cost production and widespread deployment. Badawi highlighted the Mena region's advantage in leveraging existing natural gas infrastructure to facilitate the transition to low-carbon hydrogen, thereby addressing decarbonisation challenges across multiple sectors.
As the energy sector navigates the complexities of decarbonisation, collaboration emerges as a lynchpin for success. Badawi's insights underscore the significance of technology, innovation, and partnership in driving sustainable solutions. With concerted efforts and strategic investments, the Mena region is poised to chart a course towards a greener and more resilient energy future.
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