Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) officially inaugurated its Al Hosn Shah Sour Gas Development Project, the largest of its kind in the world, last week.

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, inaugurated mega project, said a Wam report.

Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Al Hosn Shah Sour Gas Development Project is the first ultra sour gas project to produce and safely process more than one billion cubic feet per day of ultra sour gas from a single gas plant. Located in the Shah Field, 210 km south west of Abu Dhabi city, Al Hosn is a joint venture between Adnoc and Occidental Petroleum.

Sheikh Mohamed was received at the plant by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Adnoc, Vicki Hollub, president, chief operating officer and incoming CEO of Occidental Petroleum, along with senior management in Adnoc and its group of companies.

Speaking during his tour of the project, Sheikh Mohammed praised Adnoc's role in positioning the UAE on the global energy map as a reliable and secure source of natural gas.

He expressed his support for Adnoc's plans to ensure a sustainable supply of gas and its commitment to developing the infrastructure and skills necessary to meet the needs of the next generation of energy consumers.

During their tour of the Al Hosn Shah Sour Gas Development Project, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the role of the new facility in expanding Adnoc's production of gas, natural gas, and liquefied condensates and liquefied natural gas.

Dr Al Jaber said: "The inauguration of Al Hosn Shah Sour Gas Development Project is an important milestone for Adnoc as we maximise the value of Abu Dhabi s gas resources to meet the United Arab Emirates and the world's growing demand. It is a prime example of how Adnoc utilises innovative solutions to deliver on our strategic objectives and maintain our competitive edge."

The $10-billion Shah Gas Development Project will produce 504 million cu ft of natural gas, 33,000 barrels of condensates, 4,400 tonnes of natural gas liquids and 9,900 tonnes of sulphur granules. In 2015, the facility produced 2 million tonnes of sulphur and is forecast to produce 3.2 million tonnes in 2016.

Adnoc has a 60 per cent majority share in Al Hosn Gas and Occidental Petroleum a 40 per cent share.