Sharjah National Oil Accelerates Net Zero Path with Solar, Gas, and Natural Hydrogen Mix

Sharjah – EcoPulse24

Sharjah National Oil Company (SNOC) is advancing its net zero emissions agenda by diversifying its energy portfolio to include solar energy, natural gas, and early steps toward exploring natural hydrogen as a future energy source.

CEO Khamis Al Mazrouei, speaking at the Global Energy Outlook Forum 2026, highlighted that the launch of Sharjah’s first utility-scale solar plant (60 MW) in June 2025 marked a significant milestone, reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by approximately 20%. This puts SNOC ahead in its goal to achieve net zero by 2032.

Al Mazrouei emphasized that SNOC’s strategy relies on genuine energy diversification, combining local gas production, strategic storage, long-term contracts, and integrating renewable energy into its supply system.

‘Hadbah’ Field Strengthens Energy Security

Regarding gas, Al Mazrouei noted that the Hadbah onshore field is a major addition to Sharjah and the UAE’s energy security, following the successful completion of a second appraisal well, with a third underway. Bringing the Hadbah-01 well into production in just ten months demonstrates SNOC’s ability to quickly develop new resources to meet growing demand.

SNOC has diversified gas supply sources for power generation, utilizing local production, underground storage, a long-term supply agreement with ADNOC, and solar power to reduce reliance on traditional fuels.

Initial Steps Towards Natural Hydrogen

For long-term energy transition, Al Mazrouei revealed SNOC is conducting advanced studies on natural (white) hydrogen with Siemens Energy and Decahydron, following promising initial findings from an existing exploration well in Sharjah. Preliminary plans include additional drilling in 2026 to obtain more precise resource and flow data.

He explained that strong energy demand in the Northern Emirates, driven by urban and industrial growth, necessitates utilizing all available energy sources, especially as Sharjah accounts for about 35% of the country’s industrial activity.

Gas Remains the Foundation

Despite expanding into renewables and low-emission alternatives, Al Mazrouei stressed that natural gas will remain the backbone for meeting rising demand. SNOC is developing its northern pipeline network, supporting the UAE’s move toward gas self-sufficiency. The company maintains a balanced portfolio of sales gas, condensates, and LPG, and is enhancing its LPG trading and import capabilities to meet local needs.

EcoPulse24 Analysis

SNOC’s approach reflects a practical transformation of the national energy company model. Emission reduction is now integral to daily investment and operational decisions. Combining solar, gas, and natural hydrogen offers Sharjah a flexible energy security model and positions SNOC as a leader in the UAE’s energy transition, maintaining supply stability amid rapid industrial growth.