DNV certifies ADNOC’s West Aquifer CO₂ storage site at endorsement stage

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has awarded ADNOC a CO₂ Storage Certificate at the Site Endorsement stage for its West Aquifer CO₂ storage development. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the United Arab Emirates and the broader region in advancing large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The certification was conducted in accordance with ISO 27914:2017 — Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and geological storage — Geological storage. It confirms that ADNOC has met the rigorous requirements for subsurface characterisation, reservoir analysis, containment assurance, and risk management necessary to advance the project to its next phase of development.

As part of its independent verification, DNV assessed ADNOC’s geological modelling, monitoring and verification plans, conformance demonstration methodology, and long-term CO₂ storage strategy for the West Aquifer site. Achieving endorsement at this stage provides confidence in the site’s suitability for safe and permanent carbon storage and reinforces ADNOC’s broader decarbonisation ambitions.

Brice Le Gallo, Vice President and Regional Director for Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, Energy Systems at DNV, described the certification as a pivotal step for both ADNOC and the region’s energy transition.

“This certification represents a major milestone for ADNOC and for CCS deployment across the Middle East. The West Aquifer has the potential to become a cornerstone for large-scale carbon storage in the region, supporting industries in their decarbonisation efforts through safe, credible, and internationally recognised practices. By meeting the stringent requirements of ISO 27914 at the Site Endorsement stage, ADNOC is demonstrating leadership, transparency, and a clear commitment to building investor and stakeholder confidence in CCS,” he said.

DNV’s recently published Oil and Gas Decarbonisation in the Gulf Region report underscores the central role of CCS in reducing emissions from industry and oil and gas operations, while enabling the production of low-carbon blue hydrogen across the Gulf. Certification to globally recognised standards such as ISO 27914 ensures that CO₂ storage developments undergo rigorous, evidence-based evaluation, helping to mitigate early-stage risks and prevent costly design or operational shortcomings.

For more than two decades, DNV has supported the development of CCS projects worldwide through technical standards, recommended practices, independent assurance services, and research initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, reliability, and long-term confidence in geological CO₂ storage.