Adnoc Distribution has awarded the first two contracts of its Dh1 billion ($360 million) natural gas distribution project for commercial and residential purposes through a pipeline network.

The UK's Hyder Consulting has won the Dh25 million technical consultancy contract and the Emirates Canadian Company for Gas (Lootah BC Gas) has won the Dh7.5 million project management and basic pipeline design contract. Both contracts are for phase one of the project.
The project in its first phase will supply to 200,000 users in Abu Dhabi and Mussafah. The first phase of the project will be completed by the end of 2008.
The aim of the project is to ensure greater use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as this is a clean, safe, low-cost and efficient fuel. As an alternative energy source, LNG is also environment-friendly and efficient in domestic use.