A feasibility study is to be launched into the carbon capture and storage programme planned by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Adfec) under the Masdar initiative.

The study will evaluate options for the capture of carbon dioxide from major emission sources and look at how it can be delivered to oil operators for enhanced oil recovery projects. It will also recommend the first project to be implemented.

Adfec estimates that the programme, which is later expected to cover the entire UAE, can reduce the federation's carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent, raise oil output by up to 10 per cent, and free-up significant quantities of gas for industry and other uses.

Five companies have been prequalified to bid for the study. They are Foster Wheeler and Jacobs Engineering, both US-based, Australia's WorleyParsons, Paris-based Technip and Canada's SNC Lavalin.