PDO breaks new ground with CO2 for enhanced oil recovery in Oman

Muscat: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) announced the commencement of an extended pilot dedicated to utilising CO2 for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in the north of the Sultanate of Oman. This is a first for PDO and Oman.

PDO is committed to its purpose of building a sustainable and low-carbon future, aiming to ensure the company’s long-term success by continuing to generate significant oil and gas revenue in a cost-effective and carbon-efficient manner, thereby maximising value for the Sultanate. This project marks a key milestone in PDO’s dedication to increasing oil and gas production sustainably, decarbonising its operations, and working towards achieving a net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050, in alignment with Oman’s Vision 2040.

The goal of the pilot is to de-risk and therefore expedite the full-field EOR development. Over the next three months, continuous injectivity of CO2 into the reservoir will be proven, followed by long-term injection, lasting up to one year. This strategic approach aims to unlock substantial oil volumes stranded in the subsurface, paving the way for a major sustainable CO2 EOR project within the PDO concession area. Importantly, the project also plays a key role in providing a larger PDO EOR portfolio whilst mitigating PDO's CO2 emissions.

Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim Al Aufi, said, “Oman has committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The national decarbonisation roadmap includes several technologies in which CCUS is a key technology enabler. The pilot undertaken by PDO exemplifies both the Company's and the country's unwavering dedication to simultaneously boosting production and decarbonising operations. This initiative serves as a tangible manifestation of Oman's commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions in the pursuit of a cleaner, more environmentally conscious future”.

PDO Managing Director, Steve Phimister, said, “We are immensely proud to announce this milestone in our journey towards a net-zero CO2 emissions future. This project is not just a technological achievement but a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to both cost and carbon competitiveness. We are determined to safely, efficiently and sustainably grow our core oil and gas business while minimising emissions from our operations”.
The project represents a significant stride forward in both the company’s and the nation’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions whilst maximising value from its natural resources.