Adnoc begins production at Belbazem offshore block

Adnoc has started oil and gas production from its Belbazem offshore block as it seeks to boost its output to five million barrels per day by 2027 and attain self-sufficiency in gas for the UAE through lower carbon technology.

Production capacity at the Belbazem block is expected to rise to 45,000 bpd of light crude and 27 million standard cubic feet per day of associated gas, Adnoc said yesterday.

Belbazem block – consisting of the Belbazem, Umm Al Salsal and Umm Al Dholou fields – is operated by Al Yasat Petroleum, a joint venture between Adnoc and China National Petroleum Corporation. It is 120km north-west of Abu Dhabi city.

The start of crude oil production is “testament to the success of our strategic partnership with CNPC and the robust bilateral energy relationship between the UAE and China”, said Abdulmunim Al Kindy, Adnoc upstream executive director.

“Adnoc continues to maximise value from Abu Dhabi’s resources, while reducing our carbon footprint to ensure a secure, reliable, and responsible supply of energy to customers locally and internationally.”

Adnoc is investing heavily as it aims to achieve net zero by 2045. It has allocated $15 billion for a variety of projects up to 2030, as the company focuses on its low-carbon growth strategy.

These include clean power, carbon capture and storage, further electrification of operations, energy efficiency and measures to build on its policy of zero routine gas flaring.

Adnoc is developing the Belbazem block by using the facilities of an adjacent offshore field, resulting in cost savings and reduced environmental effects, it said.

Artificial intelligence tools and other digital technology are also being used, the company added.

Last year, Adnoc generated $500 million as it focused on integrating more than 30 AI tools in areas ranging from field operations to corporate decision-making.

“[AI] is one of the most important economic and social game changers of our era and it can play a crucial role in accelerating a just, orderly and equitable energy transition,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc.