- Category Group:
- Sustainability Categories
- Category:
- Award for Most Innovative Corporate Sustainability Program
- Organization Name:
- Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation
- Organization Description:
The Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation is one of the leading institutions in the United Arab Emirates specializing in mining, minerals, and the extraction of various rocks. Established in 2009, the corporation aims to regulate and manage natural resources and invest in them in alignment with the country's sustainable development strategy. The corporation oversees more than 70 mining Quarries
Hasa Project, Geological CO Mineralization in Fujairah, UAE
Introduction
The Hasa Project is a landmark joint venture and collaborative initiative led by the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC) in cooperation with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), 44.01, and Masdar, and implemented in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
The Hasa Project, is a ground breaking environmental initiative that pioneers geological CO mineralization in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. As the first CO2 mineralization project in UAE, it sets a new benchmark for climate innovation, environmental stewardship, and scientific excellence in the region.
Fujairah's unique geological landscape, rich in gabbroic and ultramafic formations of Semail Ophiolites, presents an ideal setting for mineralization of CO2. Recognizing this potential, FNRC initiated the Hasa Project to explore and demonstrate the feasibility of using local geology for permanent CO storage. The project not only addresses environmental concerns but also positions Fujairah as a leader in climate technology and sustainable resource management.
Project Objectives
The Hasa Project was designed with a clear set of objectives:
- Capture atmospheric CO using advanced DAC systems.
- Inject captured CO, dissolved in seawater, into deep rock formations for permanent mineralization.
- Power all operations using solar energy and battery storage, ensuring a fully carbon-negative process.
- Monitor and verify the mineralization process using advanced geochemical and geophysical tools.
- Develop scalable frameworks for future CO storage projects across Fujairah and the UAE. These objectives reflect a holistic approach to environmental improvement, combining technological innovation with sustainability and community engagement.
Technical Implementation
The Hasa Project integrates all components of the CO2 permanent mineralization within a single site, creating a seamless "source to sink" system. The technical approach includes:
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): CO is extracted directly from the atmosphere using modular DAC units. These units are optimized for Fujairah's climate, with considerations for temperature and humidity.
- Renewable Energy: Solar panels and battery systems provide clean energy for all operations.
- Seawater Dissolution: Captured CO is dissolved in seawater to enhance injection efficiency and reduce risks associated with gas phase injection.
- Geological Injection: The CO rich seawater is injected into deep ultramafic formations through a dedicated injector well.
- Monitoring Wells: Two monitoring wells flank the injector to track CO movement, mineralization progress, and environmental safety.
- Digital Twin and AI Monitoring: A digital replica of the subsurface system enables real time monitoring, predictive modeling, and operational optimization.
This integrated approach ensures environmental integrity, operational safety, and scientific rigor throughout the project lifecycle.
Results and Achievements
The pilot phase of the Hasa Project yielded remarkable results:
- Proven Mineralization: CO was successfully mineralized within 90 days, forming stable carbonate minerals such as magnesite (MgCO).
- Zero Environmental Impact: No contamination of aquifers or seismic risks were observed, confirming the safety of the process.
- Carbon Negative Operations: The use of renewable energy ensured that the project removed more CO than it emitted.
- Data Generation: Valuable geochemical, geophysical, and operational data were collected to inform future CO2 permanent mineralization projects.
- Technological Innovation: The project demonstrated the feasibility of seawater based injection and AI enabled monitoring.
- Global Recognition: The Hasa Project is among the first successful mineralization pilots project. These achievements underscore the project's contribution to climate mitigation, environmental protection, and technological advancement.
Entry Sources & Additional Supporting Information
Environmental Impact
The Hasa Project delivers significant environmental benefits:
- Permanent CO Removal: Unlike conventional gas based storage, mineralization transforms CO into solid rock, eliminating the risk of leakage.
- Support for Climate Goals: The project aligns with the Fujairah vision 2040 and UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and contributes to global efforts under the Paris Agreement.
- Natural Carbon Sink: Fujairah's geology is leveraged as a natural resource for climate mitigation, enhancing regional sustainability.
- Biodiversity Protection: By reducing atmospheric CO, the project indirectly supports ecosystems vulnerable to climate change.
The irreversible nature of mineralization makes it one of the most secure and environmentally responsible methods of carbon sequestration.
Long term vision
FNRC envisions the Hasa Project as a catalyst for long term environmental transformation:
- Climate Leadership: Fujairah will serve as a regional hub for CO2 permanent storage and mineralization innovation and deployment.
- Sustainable Development: The project supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, 13 - Climate Action, and 15 - Life on Land).
- Environmental Stewardship: Responsible resource management and scientific excellence will guide future initiatives.
- Global Collaboration: FNRC will continue to engage with international partners to advance climate technologies.
This vision reflects a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global impact.