ADNOC, SNF explore expanded EOR development in UAE

(WO) — ADNOC and SNF have signed an agreement to evaluate expanded enhanced oil recovery (EOR) activity in the UAE, including potential local manufacturing of EOR chemicals and additional polymer flooding applications.

The agreement was signed during the “Make it in the Emirates” forum in Abu Dhabi by Musabbeh Al Kaabi, ADNOC upstream CEO, and Flavien Gathier, engineering director and vice president of oil and gas at SNF.

According to the companies, the collaboration will assess opportunities to localize production of water-soluble polymers used in EOR operations while supporting in-country industrial development and UAE energy sector objectives.

The initiative will also include technical, economic and environmental studies focused on identifying UAE oil fields suitable for polymer flooding technology.

SNF said it has supported more than 300 EOR projects globally and has operated in the UAE market for more than a decade, including participation in two EOR pilot projects that could potentially move into broader development depending on field performance and project evaluations.

“SNF’s approach is to work close to clients and end users where long-term opportunities exist,” said Flavien Gathier. “With more than 300 EOR projects worldwide, SNF brings operational experience that may contribute to ADNOC’s evaluation of future polymer flooding applications.”

The companies said the proposed collaboration could also include development of local project execution capabilities and expanded technical expertise tied to polymer-based recovery technologies.

SNF is additionally collaborating with Khalifa University on research related to EOR technologies and polymer applications.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader “Make it in the Emirates” program focused on local manufacturing, industrial capability development and domestic supply chain expansion.