Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has initiated a groundbreaking pilot project for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) utilizing CO2 in northern Oman, marking a significant stride towards sustainable oil and gas production in alignment with the sultanate’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In a press release, PDO expressed its commitment to establishing a sustainable and low-carbon future. The company aims to ensure long-term success by generating substantial oil and gas revenue in a cost-effective and carbon-efficient manner, thereby maximizing value for the sultanate.

The pilot project represents a pivotal milestone in PDO’s dedication to increasing oil and gas production sustainably, decarbonizing its operations, and working towards the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.

The objective of the pilot project is to de-risk and expedite the full-field EOR development. Over the next three months, the continuous injectivity of CO2 into the reservoir will be demonstrated, followed by long-term injection lasting up to one year, according to PDO.

This strategic approach aims to unlock substantial oil volumes in the subsurface, paving the way for a major sustainable CO2 EOR project within the PDO concession area. Additionally, the project plays a crucial role in enhancing a larger PDO EOR portfolio while mitigating the company's own CO2 emissions.

H.E. Salim al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, highlighted Oman's commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) as a key technology enabler. He praised PDO's initiative as a tangible manifestation of Oman's dedication to pioneering sustainable solutions for a cleaner, more environmentally conscious future.

Steve Phimister, Managing Director of PDO, expressed pride in announcing this milestone in the company's journey towards a net-zero CO2 emissions future. He emphasized that the project is not just a technological achievement but also a demonstration of PDO's commitment to both cost and carbon competitiveness. The company is determined to grow its core oil and gas business safely, efficiently, and sustainably while minimizing emissions from its operations.