Inpex's Strategic Expansion in the UAE and Norway: A Pathway to Energy Security and Profitability

Inpex Corporation has emerged as a pivotal player in the global energy transition, leveraging strategic diversification to balance energy security with decarbonization goals. By 2025, the Japanese energy giant has solidified its presence in the UAE and Norway through high-impact projects in carbon capture and storage (CCS), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and renewable integration. These initiatives not only align with its Vision 2035 roadmap but also position Inpex to capitalize on the dual imperatives of energy demand and climate action.

UAE: LNG Expansion and AI-Driven Decarbonization

Inpex's UAE operations are anchored by the Upper Zakum Field Expansion, a $60 billion project in partnership with ExxonMobil and ADNOC. This endeavor, powered by AI-driven technologies, aims to enhance oil recovery while minimizing environmental footprints. According to a report by Enkiai, the project underscores Inpex's commitment to leveraging digital innovation for sustainable resource extraction INPEX Vision 2035 | INPEX CORPORATION^[1].

Simultaneously, Inpex is advancing the Abadi LNG project in Indonesia—a critical component of its LNG strategy. Collaborating with JGC Holdings Corporation and Technip Energies, the company is conducting front-end engineering and design (FEED) work to secure a final investment decision (FID) by 2027 News Releases 2025 | JGC HOLDINGS CORPORATION^[3]. The project integrates CCS technologies, reflecting Inpex's dual focus on meeting Asia's energy needs and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions News Releases 2025 | JGC HOLDINGS CORPORATION^[3].

Norway: Pioneering CCS in the North Sea

Inpex's foray into the European CCS market is epitomized by its 30% stake in the Trudvang CCS project offshore Norway. As stated by Carbon Herald, the project recently passed its feasibility gate (DG1) in collaboration with Vår Energi and Storegga, marking a milestone toward becoming one of Europe's largest CO₂ storage hubs Trudvang CCS Project Gets Key Feasibility Clearance In Norway^[4]. The Trudvang site, located in the Utsira formation, has the potential to store over 300 million tonnes of CO₂—enough to offset emissions from industrial sectors for decades Trudvang CCS Project Gets Key Feasibility Clearance In Norway^[4].

This strategic move complements Inpex's Bonaparte CCS project in northern Australia, which targets annual CO₂ storage of 10 million metric tons. By diversifying its CCS portfolio across geographies, Inpex is not only mitigating regional risks but also aligning with global decarbonization trends Inpex Advances Bonaparte Offshore CCS Project With Pre-Feed Launch^[2].

Strategic Diversification: Vision 2035 and Beyond

Inpex's 2025 initiatives are a microcosm of its broader Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to grow its business scale by 60% and reduce net carbon intensity by 60% by 2035 INPEX Vision 2035 | INPEX CORPORATION^[1]. The company's emphasis on low-carbon technologies—including hydrogen and battery storage—further diversifies its energy portfolio. For instance, integrating renewables with gas-fired power generation in Southeast Asia and Europe positions Inpex to meet fluctuating energy demands while adhering to net-zero timelines INPEX Vision 2035 | INPEX CORPORATION^[1].

The financial rationale for these investments is compelling. By 2035, the global CCS market is projected to exceed $1 trillion, driven by regulatory mandates and corporate sustainability goals. Inpex's early mover advantage in projects like Trudvang and Bonaparte ensures it captures a significant share of this growth. Meanwhile, its LNG projects in the UAE and Indonesia cater to Asia's insatiable demand for cleaner fuels, with the LNG market expected to expand by 40% by 2030 News Releases 2025 | JGC HOLDINGS CORPORATION^[3].

Conclusion: A Model for Energy Transition

Inpex's strategic expansion in the UAE and Norway exemplifies how energy firms can reconcile profitability with planetary boundaries. By diversifying geographically and technologically, the company is insulating itself from market volatility while pioneering solutions for a low-carbon future. For investors, this dual focus on energy security and decarbonization represents a high-conviction opportunity in an era of transition.