Abu Dhabi’s strategic target of reaching a 70% ultimate recovery from its oil fields

The project focuses on Enhanced Oil Recovery using specialized chemicals for the oil and gas industry. Main goal of ADNOC and Wintershall is to jointly develop customized solutions to meet the subsurface challenges that are characteristic for the local oil fields – high temperature and high salinity in the carbonate reservoirs of Abu Dhabi. The MoU forms the framework for a close cooperation of the two companies and comprises a roadmap for the development of cEOR methods.

Following successful lab results, a pilot test in Abu Dhabi will be envisaged. “With this cEOR research project, ADNOC and Wintershall will work on advanced solutions for the subsurface challenges in Abu Dhabi,” said Yasser Saeed Al Mazrouei, Deputy Director E&P of ADNOC. “If we are successful in our efforts we might be able to enhance the recovery of local oil fields. In this way, we help to secure the production and future energy supply in Abu Dhabi.” The MoU defines a further step of the cooperation between ADNOC and Wintershall. Wintershall, as 100% subsidiary of BASF, is bringing its parent company’s R&D capability in chemistry into the project – something that no other E&P company can provide. “Being chosen by ADNOC to cooperate in developing a new and efficient cEOR approach is a great honor for us,” said Martin Bachmann, Wintershall Board Member responsible for E&P. “We are convinced that we have the right technologies to support Abu Dhabi’s targets and objectives. This is exactly why Wintershall is here: To contribute valuable experience and knowledge.” The MoU aims to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s strategic target of reaching a 70% ultimate recovery from its oil fields in the future.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC): ADNOC is one of the world’s leading oil and gas companies and is fully owned by the government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The company was founded in 1971 and is active in all areas of the oil and gas industry. It has 17 specialized subsidiaries and joint ventures operating in both upstream and downstream sectors. The ADNOC Group is active in the United Arab Emirates and across the whole world and produces more than 2.7 million boe a day. In the past few years, significant achievements were made in the expansion of the development of gas fields to meet the increased demand from industry gas users; and gas injection requirements in order to enhance the oil and condensate recovery from the producing fields. While carrying out all its business activities, ADNOC is committed to sustainable development, ensuring a harmonious balance between people’s needs and Earth’s resources, adhering to the best international practices and supporting all programs and initiatives of environment protection while its track record in HSE sets the standard not only at the regional Gulf level but at the international level as well.

Wintershall Holding GmbH, based in Kassel, Germany, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BASF in Ludwigshafen. The company has been active in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas for over 80 years. Wintershall focuses on selected core regions, where the company has built up a high level of regional and technological expertise. These are Europe, North Africa, South America, as well as Russia and the Caspian Sea region. In addition, these operations are complemented by the company’s growing exploration activities in the Arabian Gulf. The company employs more than 2,500 staff worldwide from 40 nations and is now Germany’s largest crude oil and natural gas producer.