Aramco, a global leader in energy and chemicals, has launched Saudi Arabia’s first Direct Air Capture (DAC) test unit, marking a significant advancement in the Kingdom’s carbon capture efforts. The facility, developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy, is capable of removing 12 tons of carbon dioxide annually from the atmosphere.
The pilot plant serves as a platform to test next-generation CO2 capture materials under Saudi Arabia’s distinct climate conditions. Aramco aims to leverage the facility to enhance DAC efficiency and reduce costs, potentially accelerating the deployment of large-scale DAC technology in the region. The company and Siemens Energy plan to continue collaborating on scaling up the technology, laying the groundwork for future carbon removal projects.
Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight and Coordination, emphasized the importance of DAC in addressing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors. “Technologies that directly capture carbon dioxide from the air will likely play a crucial role in emissions reduction. The test facility launched by Aramco is a key step in our efforts to scale up viable DAC systems for deployment in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The captured CO2 can also be utilized in producing sustainable chemicals and fuels,” he stated.
The initiative aligns with Aramco’s broader commitment to carbon management, a critical component of its goal to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its wholly owned operated assets by 2050. The company continues to explore innovative carbon capture strategies both at emission sources and through direct air capture, supporting its circular carbon economy approach.
The launch of the DAC facility follows Aramco’s December 2024 announcement of a shareholder agreement with Linde and SLB to develop a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) hub in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Phase one of the project is expected to capture nine million tons of CO2 annually from Aramco’s gas plants and other industrial sources, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
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