Adnoc and Tabreed Unveil Gulf’s First Geothermal Cooling Project

With legal oversight from Adnoc’s Chief Legal Officer, Marwan Naim Nijmeh, and Tabreed’s Chief Legal Counsel, Nadia Bardawil, the inauguration of operations at G2COOL marks the official launch of the Gulf region’s pioneering geothermal district cooling project by Adnoc and the National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed). 

The cutting-edge plant, situated in Masdar City, marks a significant step toward decarbonizing building cooling processes and diversifying the UAE’s energy portfolio in alignment with the UAE National Energy Strategy 2050. 

G2COOL utilizes naturally occurring hot water sourced from two geothermal wells, introducing geothermal energy into the UAE’s energy mix. The heat extracted from underground reservoirs is then utilized in absorption cooling technology, generating chilled water essential for Tabreed’s district cooling activities. This sustainable energy source already fulfills 10% of Masdar City’s cooling requirements. 

Supported by Adnoc’s initial $15 billion (AED 55 billion) commitment to low-carbon solutions, the G2COOL project aligns with Adnoc’s broader decarbonization plan and its ambitious net-zero target by 2045. 

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Adnoc Executive Director for Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth, expressed enthusiasm about tapping into the UAE’s clean underground thermal energy. The G2COOL plant’s early efficiency performance has exceeded expectations, underscoring the viability of geothermal energy in decarbonizing building cooling—an energy-intensive activity in the region. 

Buildings’ cooling processes account for up to 70% of the UAE’s electricity consumption. District cooling, being approximately 50% more energy-efficient than traditional methods, offers a sustainable alternative. Integrating geothermal energy further reduces grid-dependent electricity demand for cooling. 

As the UAE welcomes the world for COP28, Khaled Al Qubaisi, Tabreed Chairman, heralded the G2COOL project’s success, highlighting geothermal energy’s potential as a renewable and clean source supporting district cooling across the UAE. The plant, located in Masdar City, aligns with the city’s commitment to sustainable urban development. 

Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, celebrated the leap toward sustainability, emphasizing the significant role geothermal energy plays in achieving net-zero objectives. Encouraged by G2COOL’s success, Adnoc is collaborating with various companies to explore further possibilities of geothermal energy in the UAE using advanced drilling and power generation technologies.