DOHA: Qatar Fuel Additives Company (QAFAC) officially announced the launch of its carbon dioxide (CO2) recovery plant here the other day. Once operational, the facility will capture and reuse 500 tonnes of CO2 per day, which is equivalent to the CO2 emitted by 32 million cars per year.
Designed to dramatically decrease CO2 emissions in the atmosphere, the world-class plant will recover CO2 daily to the level absorbed by about 4.2 million trees in ten years. The captured CO2 will be turned into a high valued product called methanol.
The launch was held under the patronage of H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy and Industry, and Qatar Petroleum Chairman, and officiated by key ministers of Qatar and H E Ahmed Amer Mohamed Al Humaidi, the Minister of Environment.
Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, Chairman of Qafac and CEO of RasGas Company, said: “As one of the largest and most modern CO2 recovery plants in the region, the facility will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is a great step forward towards creating a better and brighter future for the next generation.”
Nasser Jeham Al Kuwari, CEO of Qafac, said: “Methanol is a chemical building block used in making hundreds of products that touch our daily lives from paints, plastics, furniture, carpeting, car parts, windshield and washer fluid. It is also a fuel we depend upon for transportation. While saving resources, we are also benefiting economically. After conducting a thorough feasibility study to examine the technical and economical benefits of the project, a cost analysis showed the project has definitely helped increase our production and profit. This is a wonderful outcome that we will be able to share with companies that assume prioritising the environment, comes at a steep price tag.”
Khalid Mubarak Rashid Al Hitmi, COO of Qafac, said: “At Qafac sustainable development describes an approach to planning and decision-making that aims to achieve a realistic and lasting reduction of social and economic disparities. While doing so, it is also our desire to protect the environment.
