ADNOC and water supply firm launch Masdar’s first district geothermal cooling plant

The project has an initial value of $15b to use the region’s geothermal capabilities.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and the National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed) rolled out the operations for G2COOL, the first district geothermal cooling plant in Masdar City.

The cooling project will expand the decarbonisation process and harness geothermal energy in the Gulf region whilst contributing to UAE’s energy mix as support for ADNOC’s net zero plans by 2045, and UAE’s National Energy Strategy 2050.

The launch, valued at ADNOC’s initial $15b (AED 55b) allocation, is a result of a successful trial in August, producing natural hot water through two geothermal wells. The resulting chilled water holds 10% of Masdar City’s cooling needs and 70% of UAE’s electricity consumption.

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“Early efficiency performance from the G2COOL plant has surpassed our expectations, proving that geothermal energy is a viable way to decarbonize the way we cool buildings, which is one of the most energy-intensive activities in our region,” Musabbeh Al Kaabi, executive director for low carbon solutions and international growth of ADNOC, commented about the project.

District cooling of buildings is considered an effective sustainable strategy, with being around 50% energy efficient in its operations – capable of integrating geothermal energy into the grid.