Shell, which is constructing the most expensive energy project ever seen in Qatar - the Pearl gas-to-liquids facility - says it aims to improve its understanding of carbonate reservoirs, which constitute the vast majority of hydrocarbons reservoirs in the Middle East.

The firms will work together with Qatar’s Science & Technology Park and the UK’s Imperial College to explore boosting recovery of oil and gas, and developing secure methods of capturing and storing carbon dioxide to help reduce the impact of climate change.

Researchers expect to draw up new carbon management plans and processes, and identify suitable rock formations in Qatar which can be used to store carbon dioxide from power stations, oil refineries and other manufacturing plants.