Title: Challenges and opportunities for the emerging carbon capture, utilisation and storage innovation system in the United Arab Emirates

Authors: Vijo Varkey Theeyattuparampil; Georgeta Vidican; Yasser Al-Saleh

Addresses: Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, UAE ' Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, UAE ' INSEAD, Innovation and Policy Initiative, P.O. Box 48049, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract: Beginning 2006, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has embarked on the carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) sector to enhance its oil production through enhanced oil recovery whilst sealing future carbon-dioxide emissions in geological formations. We apply the systems of innovation framework to assess the innovation related performance within the emerging CCUS sector in the UAE. We determine that the lack of CCUS related regulations, limited financial and human resources poses significant challenges for development of the CCUS sector. Findings from this study could offer policymakers relevant insights into how best to develop the CCUS sector in the GCC region.

Keywords: carbon capture; carbon utilisation; carbon storage; CCUS; innovation systems; functional analysis; United Arab Emirates; UAE; oil production; enhanced oil recovery; carbon dioxide; CO2; carbon emissions; geological formations; regulations; financial resources; human resources.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2013.052898

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2013 Vol.13 No.3, pp.284 - 307

Published online: 31 Jul 2013 *

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