The Global Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Institute has opened its first Middle East headquarters in Masdar City, the regional home of technology innovation and research and development (R&D) in Abu Dhabi.
The opening was attended by the Institute’s global CEO, Mr. Jarad Daniels, who was visiting the region as part of a five-day tour, accompanied by the Institute’s Head of the MENA Region, Dr. Mohammed Abu Zahra, and General Manager of Client Engagement, Mr. Jeff Erikson.
The Global CCS Institute is an international think tank with a mission to scale-up carbon capture and storage technology to support the drive to climate neutrality. It aims to work alongside industry and public sector partners to build CCS ambitions in the region.
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber UAE Minister – Industry & Advanced Technology Chairman – Masdar
“Hosting the MENA headquarters of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage (CSS) Institute underlines Masdar and the UAE’s commitment to practical solutions to climate challenges. Carbon capture technologies are a critical tool for the global response to climate change and there is increasing awareness that widespread adoption will be essential to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. As the first country in the region to deploy CCUS on an industrial scale, the UAE has a proven track record of success as a leader in carbon capture. The addition of the Global CCS Institute will only help promote CCS further.”
By basing its regional headquarters in Masdar City, the Global CCS Institute is adding an important area of climate response specialization to the City’s network and will benefit from its exceptional digital infrastructure, advanced regulatory frameworks, and other sustainability-focused R&D initiatives.
The Institute has joined other key industry institutions and companies based in Masdar City, including the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Siemens Energy, which respectively have their permanent and regional headquarters in sustainable urban development. Other major Masdar City tenants include the Mohammed Bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Honeywell and start-up incubator, and the Catalyst, the region’s first sustainability-focused start-up accelerator.
Mr. Daniels said that “Following years of ambition, CCS opportunities are being realized in the GCC states and the progress so far is promising. The region is well positioned to become a leader, both in the CCS market and the energy transition more broadly. With the Institute’s new regional office in Abu Dhabi, we aim to be there every step of the way.”
