Programme nominated for the Excellence in Low-carbon Steelie Award 2023
Emirates Steel Arkan, a leading steel manufacturer, joined forces with Alreyadah and ADNOC in 2016 to address the pressing issue of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Their collaborative effort aimed to capture CO2 from Emirates Steel Arkan’s direct reduction plant 1 and 2, purify it through Alreyadah’s advanced processes, and then supply it to ADNOC for enhanced oil recovery. To achieve this, Emirates Steel Arkan strategically installed two carbon removal facilities on their premises, effectively capturing CO2 from the process gas with a carbon capture capacity of 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This innovative approach resulted in a significant reduction of 22% in Emirates Steel Arkan’s CO2 emissions.
The collaboration between Emirates Steel Arkan, Alreyadah, and ADNOC showcases the potential of cross-industry cooperation in tackling global environmental challenges. The deployment of carbon removal facilities demonstrates a proactive approach towards sustainable manufacturing practices, aligning with the global efforts to achieve netzero emissions. Moreover, this initiative aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) commitment to the Paris Agreement and its national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The exhaust gas from steel is introduced into a CO2 removal unit, where the first stage involves capturing CO2 using an amine solution in a packed column called the absorber. As CO2 is captured, the purified gas exits from the top of the system. Subsequently, the CO2 is released from the solution in another column known as the stripper. In the stripper, the solution is heated to release the CO2 in a concentrated form. This concentrated CO2 is then sent to the Alreyadah plant for additional cleaning and purification before undergoing compression and being transported to ADNOC.
It is worth noting that the success of this collaboration relies on the utilisation of Alreyadah’s advanced purification processes, which play a critical role in ensuring the quality and purity of the captured CO2.
In conclusion, the partnership between Emirates Steel Arkan, Alreyadah, and ADNOC represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenge of CO2 emissions in the steel manufacturing industry. By capturing, purifying, and utilising CO2 for enhanced oil recovery, these companies demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change.
This collaboration serves as a remarkable example of how cross-sector partnerships can drive environmental innovation and accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable future.