ADNOC Unveils Phased Development Plan for Upper Zakum Offshore Field
On May 19, 2025, ADNOC announced agreements with several energy companies that could bring $60 billion in US investments into UAE energy projects over the coming years. A key highlight is a phased development plan for the Upper Zakum offshore field, in partnership with ExxonMobil and INPEX/JODCO, aiming to expand production capacity through several stages.
The Upper Zakum field, discovered in 1963 and located 84 kilometers northwest of Abu Dhabi, is part of the Zakum complex—the world’s second-largest offshore oil field. Production operations are managed from a series of artificial islands, which will play a critical role in the upcoming upgrades.
Phased Development Details
- The plan focuses on upgrading infrastructure with AI-enabled remote operations, improving efficiency and operational safety.
- Power for the facilities will come from the UAE’s clean energy grid, contributing to significant emissions reductions.
- Artificial islands will continue to be utilized for drilling activities, designed to minimize environmental impact.
ADNOC emphasizes that this development will sustainably increase production capacity by combining advanced technologies with the expertise of its partners ExxonMobil and INPEX/JODCO. The expansion will also support domestic industrial growth by providing more natural gas and increase LNG exports.
Operations teams should anticipate new workflows integrating artificial intelligence for remote monitoring and control, alongside enhanced environmental compliance measures. This approach could serve as a model for similar offshore developments focused on efficiency and sustainability.
For professionals interested in AI applications within energy operations, exploring targeted AI training courses can provide valuable skills applicable to projects like these. Relevant resources can be found at Complete AI Training.
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