Interview: Hatem Al Mosa
What opportunities and challenges do you identify for the oil and gas sector in terms of achieving net-zero emissions goals?
HATEM AL MOSA: While SNOC is a national oil company, it has set its own net-zero target for operations by 2032. Although this places SNOC ahead of the UAE’s 2050 target, our aspirations are fully aligned. There is a need for sustainability to coexist with energy security and affordability. As such, investing in sustainable hydrocarbons while ensuring the local market receives cost-effective and dependable energy is a priority. This holistic approach aims to prevent the kind of instability observed in 2008 when demand outpaced supply, causing a spike in oil prices.
To achieve these targets, we are pursuing two major directions. First, we have signed an agreement with Emerge Company – the joint venture between French multinational EDF and Abu Dhabi-based Masdar – to convert 100% of power to solar at the Sajaa gas complex. The creation of a 60-MW solar power plant marks a significant stride towards the objective of achieving a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from operations. Electricity demand is expected to represent 25-45% of the solar power plant’s capacity, with the surplus generating carbon credits. As part of the arrangement, surplus solar power will be supplied to the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) during the day. In return, SEWA will provide the electricity required for SNOC’s operations at night, ensuring a continuous supply. In addition, a study is under way with engineering contractors to convert gas turbine compressors to electric motors. This move could cut emissions by 50%.
At the same time, carbon storage is a top priority. A depleted reservoir near the Sajaa gas complex has been identified as having vast capacity for storage of captured CO₂. The area within a 100-km radius of the complex accounts for over 50% of the UAE’s emissions, including power plants in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, as well as ceramics and industrial plants. Carbon capture becomes a critical reality given the substantial emissions in this region. Looking ahead, carbon storage holds the potential to contribute to the production of blue hydrogen.
In what ways can the oil and gas sector and educational and research institutions collaborate concerning sustainability and innovation?
AL MOSA: Achieving sustainability targets requires widespread awareness and understanding among the general population of concepts like net zero and the urgency of addressing global warming. SNOC’s strategic focus centres around educational initiatives, starting with engaging with employees’ families to foster an understanding of sustainability and climate change. Efforts extend to lectures and events at local educational institutions and leadership programmes. The aim is to encourage individuals across society to become advocates for sustainability, and for younger generations to become focused on meaningful actions and solutions.
How are oil firms handling rising cyber-threats in the face of increased digitalisation?
AL MOSA: Digitalisation should be viewed as a tool, not an end goal. Nearly all data at SNOC has been digitised, including engineering and subsurface libraries. While the oil and gas sector has historically focused on physical security, cybersecurity has become as critical as general safety as the digitalisation process accelerates and new threats emerge. We encounter phishing emails seeking information and attacks to critical infrastructure on a daily basis. To counter this, strengthening the internal human firewall is crucial. The importance of cybersecurity cannot be understated, considering the potential losses from phishing or hacking. Companies today can incur significant financial losses if they are unprepared.
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