While covering all aspects and technologies of the CCUS value chain, a new report by IDTechEx titled 'Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) Markets 2025-2045: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players' has interestingly noted how policymakers and key industrial players are focusing more on carbon dioxide storage, increasingly dropping the 'U' (utilisation) from discussions at conferences and expos

The report has found that by 2045, the world will be sequestering 1.6 gigatonnes per annum of CO2 underground, as dedicated geological storage of carbon dioxide will outpace enhanced oil recovery as the end result for CO2 capture. Major oil and gas players such as Shell, Equinor, and Chevron are leveraging decades of subsurface expertise to open-up storage in saline aquifers.

Permanently storing carbon dioxide generally has better sustainability credentials than utilising CO2. This is because permanently sequestering CO2 captured from an industrial process in dedicated underground storage is a net-zero process (or even net-negative for some CO2 sources). In contrast, captured CO2 returns to the atmosphere on short time scales for several CO2 utilisation applications, such as when a fuel synthesised from CO2 is combusted. Storing CO2 is therefore better suited to meeting emission reduction targets.

For industry stakeholders from the African energy market, CCS will be vital in attracting energy investments and eradicating energy poverty from the continent.

Decarbonising oil & gas assets

Fossil fuel infrastructure won’t disappear overnight, but existing assets can be decarbonised. New CCUS enhanced oil recovery projects are still expected in the future because the oil produced by this method has a much lower carbon footprint than typical oil extraction. Alternatively, drop-in replacements to fossil fuels can be made by utilising CO2, such as CO2-derived e-fuels. Such low-carbon fuels are seeing demand from the aviation and maritime sectors, where full electrification remains unfeasible for decarbonisation.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the Habshan Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage project is one of the largest carbon capture projects that will have the capacity to capture and permanently store 1.5 mn tonnes per annum (mtpa) of carbon dioxide (CO₂) within geological formations deep underground.

Infrastructure engineering software company, Bentley Systems, has acquired 3D geospatial company Cesium

A foundational open platform for creating powerful 3D geospatial applications, Cesium's 3D Tiles open standard has been particularly popular.

Bentley’s iTwin Platform powers digital twin solutions that are used by engineering and construction firms and owner-operators to design, build, and operate the world’s infrastructure. The combination of Cesium plus iTwin enables developers to seamlessly align 3D geospatial data with engineering, subsurface, IoT, reality, and enterprise data to create digital twins with user experiences that scale from vast infrastructure networks to the millimeter-accurate details of individual assets—viewed from land, sky, and sea, from outer space to deep below the Earth’s surface.

Bentley CEO Nicholas Cumins said, “A 3D geospatial view is the most intuitive way for owner-operators and engineering services providers to search for, query, and visualise information about infrastructure networks and assets. With the combined capabilities of Cesium and iTwin, infrastructure professionals can make better informed decisions in full 3D geospatial context—all within a single, highly performant environment.”

Patrick Cozzi, CEO of Cesium, said, “Joining Bentley marks an important milestone for Cesium as we continue our journey to create the best developer platform for the built and natural environment—founded on open standards and open-source technologies. The combined power of our two organisations and our shared commitment to openness will provide new opportunities for growth and create greater value for an already flourishing developer ecosystem that ranges from small start-ups to global enterprises.”

Ik Group has launched a subsea pipelines repair company called Norclamp

This is a strategic spin off from IK Subsea, the group's repair clamp business unit, in response to the increasing need for maintenance solutions in the subsea pipeline repair segment. The move ensures the new company's exclusive focus on high-end, standardised clamps to maintain pipeline and production systems. Clamp standardisation reduces lead times and costs, making it ideal for emergency delivery.

The company’s flagship product line is market-ready and includes three distinct standardised clamps – split clamp, compact clamp, and infinity clamp. These clamps are designed for versatility, offering various dimensions and pressure rating options. 

This comes as a timely development as experts predict the subsea market to grow at a 10% annual compound growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2027.

Net zero 2050 goals

As the urgency to achieve net zero 2050 goals determine the strategies of exploration and production companies today, IK Group aims to support their initiatives through life extension services for pipelines infrastructure, or repurposing them for carbon capture, transport, and storage (CCS) and, eventually, for hydrogen supply. 

For industry stakeholders from the African energy market, CCS will be vital in attracting energy investments and eradicating energy poverty from the continent. 

“We have started this journey and will work tirelessly to support the change,” said Eirik Berge, CEO of IK Group. 

LPG value chain company, Petredec, and South Africa’s state-owned logistics infrastructure company, Transnet, has announced a rail freight solution

This project features a dedicated train system, modern LPG intermodal hub and storage facility at Sentrarand in Gauteng. The hub will receive bulk LPG via rail from the initial load point at the Richards Bay LPG terminal in KwaZulu-Natal, developed in partnership with Bidvest Tank Terminals in 2020.

Petredec will introduce South Africa’s first scheduled LPG train system, with each 75-wagon trainset capable of transporting over 2,500t of LPG. Initially operating up to three times per week, this enhanced logistics system will further improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness of LPG distribution in the country.

“The strategic partnership between Petredec and Transnet Freight Rail marks a significant step in improving LPG accessibility in South Africa. This investment reflects our commitment to developing key LPG infrastructure and implementing more efficient, optimised logistical solutions - ultimately making LPG more affordable to end users. Our goal is clear: to make clean cooking solutions like LPG more accessible to those who need it, thus contributing to a broader vision of improved energy security, public health, energy affordability and environmental conservation in South Africa and beyond,” said Jonathan Fancher, CEO of Petredec.

Michelle Phillips, Transnet group chief executive, said, “This landmark project marks a major advancement in the supply of LPG across the country, enabling bulk distribution of LPG on a scale never before achieved in Africa. The Sentrarand LPG hub and rail freight solution is critical infrastructure that will support South Africa’s long-term energy security and developmental ambitions.”

Project engineering and construction will be undertaken by long-standing technical partner Lloyd Jones Construction with the intended commissioning of the Sentrarand facility and operation of first trains commencing in 1H 2028.

TotalEnergies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd has reached a final investment decision (FID) for the development of the Ubeta gas field 

Located about 80 km northwest of Port Harcourt in Rivers state, the Ubeta gas field falls under OML 58 onshore license which is operated by TotalEnergies with a 40% interest while NNPC holds the other 60%. 

The development plan includes the installation of a 11 km buried pipeline to connect Ubeta's new six-well cluster to the existing Obite facilities, thus allowing emissions reduction and cost efficiency. A 5 MW solar plant is currently under construction at Obite to further alleviate carbon intensity. A completely electrified drilling rig will be deployed for production which is due to start in 2027.

During COP28, TotalEnergies signed an agreement with NNPCL among other African oil companies to deploy its advanced drone-based technology AUSEA on oil & gas facilities in Nigeria, and soon after, an inspection of OML 100 field in south-eastern Niger Delta confirmed that their joint venture has achieved zero routine gas flaring across all its assets, including OML 58. 

Favourable government initiatives

While things are looking up in terms of sustainable practices, Nigeria is also focusing on production optimisation, and its recent collaboration with SLB testifies this approach. 

The Ubeta field capacity is expected at approximately 70,000 bopd including condensates. The Obagi oil field and the Ibewa gas and condensate field that also belong within OML 58 are currently in production. The gas yield is processed in the Obite treatment centre for supply to the Nigerian domestic gas market as well as Nigeria LNG (NLNG) plant. 

TotalEnergies owns a 15% interest in NLNG, which is a liquefaction plant in Bonny Island, with an on-going capacity expansion from 22-30 Mtpa. 

With more than 90% of manhours to be worked locally, the major, along with NNPCL, is aiming to enhance local content.

“Ubeta is the latest in a series of projects developed by TotalEnergies in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West. I am pleased that we can launch this new gas project which has been made possible by the Government’s recent incentives for non-associated gas developments. Ubeta fits perfectly with our strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects, and will contribute to the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports,” said Mike Sangster, senior vice president - Africa, exploration and production at TotalEnergies.

The ADIPEC 2024 Technical Conference has received a record 5,977 submissions, a 16% increase over last year, with major submission growth seen in the AI and Digital Transformation and Energy Transition and Decarbonisation categories, and increased submissions from African and Arab states.

The ADIPEC Technical Conference is a key part of ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy event, which takes place on 4-7 November 2024 in Abu Dhabi. Organised by SPE, the Technical Conference this year will feature 159 sessions across 12 categories, for which energy experts and engineers from around the world submit their work to be considered for presentation.

“As chairman of the ADIPEC Technical Conference, I am immensely proud to announce a historic milestone of 5,977 technical submissions received this year. This unprecedented volume of contributions underscores ADIPEC's vital role as a premier forum for innovative dialogue and exchange within the global energy sector. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all authors – the pioneering experts that continue to drive our industry forward, fostering the advancements and collaborative spirit necessary to meet the evolving demands of our world,” said Dr. Khaled Abdul Monem Al Kindi, Senior Vice President, Upper Zakum, ADNOC Offshore and ADIPEC 2024 Technical Conference Programme Chair.
Continuing its 40-year legacy of energy leadership and innovation, ADIPEC 2024 aims to be a driving force for accelerated energy action. This year, the event sets out a renewed vision, gathering diverse voices from communities, nations, and industries to find collective solutions that can deliver affordable, secure, and sustainable energy for all.

As a key part of ADIPEC’s portfolio of 10 conferences, the ADIPEC Technical Conference brings together the brightest minds and technical experts from across the energy value chain – the changemakers at the forefront of engineering, technology and industry innovation.

The two submission categories that saw the biggest increases were Energy Transition and Decarbonisation and AI and Digital Transformation, with 38% and 32% jumps respectively. These increases reveal the energy industry’s growing focus on emerging digital technologies and efforts to decarbonise in support of the energy transition, which are a major focus of ADIPEC this year, reflected across its dynamic conference and exhibition agenda.

A significant increase was also recorded in the number of submissions from Arab and African countries over last year, rising 50% and 28% respectively. Double-digit growth was also recorded in submissions from the Asia & Pacific Region, North America, and the Middle East. The ADIPEC Technical Conference also saw experts from 25% more companies submit their work for presentation.

Christopher Hudson, president of dmg events, the organiser of ADIPEC, said: "Decarbonisation presents many challenges and opportunities for all sectors. ADIPEC’s focus on platforming low-carbon energy innovations to power industry, empower lives, and accelerate global prosperity makes its Technical Conference a critical forum to advance a sustainable, secure and equitable energy future. This year’s record number of submissions, along with the substantial increases in geographical and category-specific contributions, highlights the alignment of our agenda with the industry's needs and the global commitment to be part of the solution."