A Technip Energies-led joint venture has won a major engineering, procurement and construction ( EPC ) contract from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company ( Adnoc ) for the Ruwais liquefied natural gas project in the emirate.

The TJN Ruwais joint venture involves JGC of Japan and NMDC Energy of  the United Arab Emirates, along with Paris-based Technip. Local press put the project’s capex at US$5.5 billion.

The project, located in Al Ruwais Industrial City, will consist of two natural gas liquefaction trains with a total production capacity of 9.6 million tonnes per annum ( mtpa ). The plant will use electric-driven motors instead of conventional gas turbines, and will be powered by clean energy. It will be the second LNG export facility in Ruwais.

The project will more than double Adnoc's LNG production capacity amid rising global demand for natural gas and the shift towards decarbonization.

The plant is set to be the first LNG export facility in the Middle East and North Africa ( MENA ) region to run on clean power ( nuclear ), making it one of the lowest in carbon intensity among LNG plants in the world.

"By powering electrified LNG trains with nuclear energy, this project sets a new standard for energy security and sustainability, " says Technip chief executive officer Arnaud Pieton. "By leveraging our low-carbon and electrified LNG leadership, we will support Adnoc’s position as a reliable global natural gas supplier and commitment to decarbonization.”

NMDC Energy CEO Ahmed Al Dhaheri adds: "Utilizing nuclear energy for LNG production not only sets a new international standard for low-emission energy, but also aligns with the UAE’s strategy for a sustainable future."