ADNOC Gas, in partnership with Baker Hughes, has successfully installed a technology that captures carbon from methane, the main constituent of natural gas, and transforms it into graphene, a material set to shape the future of multiple industrial applications.
The technology, called LOOP and patented by British climate technology firm Levidian, has been incorporated at ADNOC Gas’ Habshan Gas Processing Plant. This marks the first-ever deployment of the technology at an operational gas processing site.
LOOP is a pre-combustion decarbonisation system, a hydrogen production system and a high-value graphene generator. The unit is capable of producing more than 1 tonne per annum (tpa) of graphene and 1 tpa of hydrogen, making it a dual-purpose innovation aligned with global energy transition goals.
It uses electromagnetic waves to ionise methane into a plasma, allowing for the separation of hydrogen and carbon, without using water or producing additional CO2. It captures the carbon pre-combustion, allowing for less CO2 to be created through the process. Future industrial-scale installations are expected to deliver 15 tpa.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, Chief Operations Officer of ADNOC Gas, commented: “The deployment of LOOP technology is a significant milestone for ADNOC Gas. By transforming methane into valuable graphene and clean hydrogen, we are unlocking new value from natural gas, driving decarbonisation and supporting the UAE’s industrial growth and climate ambitions.
“This project reflects our dedication to shaping a more sustainable energy future while delivering tangible benefits for the industries we serve.”
Data collected during the pilot will be used to refine the ongoing development of AI modelling and digital twins to minimise energy consumption and maximise graphene output from future installations as part of Levidian’s growing fleet of LOOP units.
John Hartley, CEO of Levidian, added: “We’re seeing huge appetite within the market for our graphene and are excited to be working with Baker Hughes and ADNOC to unlock a new source of this super-material, which will help establish Levidian as one of the world’s largest producers of graphene that is less carbon intensive, more affordable and of a consistently higher quality than anything available on the market today.”
The graphene produced at the Habshan complex will be evaluated and utilised by ADNOC’s Technology team to explore possible applications. Graphene has the potential to be used across industries from enhancing the performance of electric vehicle batteries and solar panels to creating stronger, more durable materials such as concrete, tires, and polymer pipes.
Alessandro Bresciani, senior vice president Climate Technology Solutions at Baker Hughes, added: “This project demonstrates once more how the collaboration between Baker Hughes and ADNOC Gas unlocks the potential of new decarbonisation technologies.
“Bringing innovation from startups and research labs into the reality of complex industrial sites requires technical skills and the highest level of collaboration and focus on health, safety and environment. We are delighted to have brought Levidian’s technology into ADNOC Gas’ Habshan plant, as part of our company’s long-term focus in bringing to market and scaling up innovative solutions for our customers.”
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