SHARJAH: The Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) has successfully completed the second phase of its underground gas storage project at the Moveyeid field. Initiated in 2017, the project started with a pilot phase and expanded in January 2021, allowing for larger gas storage volumes. This latest phase positions SNOC to support Sharjah’s power sector with improved gas supply flexibility, balancing supply and demand across the emirate.

With this milestone, SNOC has moved into a new line of business, creating a strategic reserve for energy security and enhancing its capacity to handle the UAE’s energy demands, particularly during peak summer periods. SNOC CEO Hatem Al Mosa expressed pride in overcoming supply chain challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the project was completed without any operational, safety, or environmental incidents.

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Al Mosa highlighted that the project’s timing supports the UAE’s energy landscape by providing a means to store surplus gas during the winter months, ensuring a secure supply for summer electricity demand. He also revealed that future project phases could potentially quadruple the current storage capacity, making it viable for the entire UAE, not just Sharjah.

Phase two was conducted to high safety and technical standards, featuring the Underbalanced Coil Tubing Drilling (UBCTD) method. This innovative approach, involving horizontal drilling in existing wells, has increased reservoir accessibility and boosted well performance. Additionally, the reduced injection pressure requirements have led to significant cost savings, adding value to the project.

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Newly designed infrastructure has been optimized to support this expansion, incorporating surface and subsurface facilities capable of meeting future storage needs. As SNOC continues to enhance efficiency and operational standards, this phase of the gas storage project stands as a critical step toward securing a stable, flexible energy future for the UAE.