Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, is further advancing the development of emissions reduction solutions including lower-carbon hydrogen, Direct Air Capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide, and the harnessing of geothermal energy.
These initiatives align with Aramco’s goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in both Scope 1 and Scope 2 across its fully owned and operated assets by 2050. This commitment also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The details of these projects were revealed during the MENA Climate Week 2023, held in Saudi Arabia from October 8 to 12.
Ahmad Al Khowaiter, Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, said: “These projects highlight just some of the innovative ways that Aramco aims to help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. We are working on multiple fronts, partnering with leaders in a variety of fields, in an effort to advance technology solutions that have the potential to make a real impact. This includes new and groundbreaking approaches that align with our vision of a circular carbon economy, as we strive to meet the world’s energy needs both now and in the future.”
Aramco, a prominent global energy and chemicals company, is making significant progress in the development of solutions to reduce emissions. These solutions encompass various innovative approaches, including the production of hydrogen with lower carbon content, Direct Air Capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide, a unique technique for converting carbon dioxide into solid form, and the utilization of geothermal energy.
These initiatives align with Aramco’s goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in both Scope 1 and Scope 2 across its fully-owned and operated assets by 2050. This commitment also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The details of these projects were revealed during the MENA Climate Week 2023, held in Saudi Arabia from October 8 to 12.
Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, Ahmad Al Khowaiter, emphasizes that these projects exemplify the company’s dedication to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. Aramco is actively collaborating with leaders in various fields to advance technological solutions that have the potential to create a substantial positive impact. These innovative approaches are consistent with Aramco’s vision of a circular carbon economy, as they strive to meet the world’s energy demands in the present and the future.
Lower-Carbon Hydrogen: Following the successful pilot project in Denmark, Aramco is in the process of finalizing an engineering agreement with Topsoe, a renowned provider of energy-efficient technologies. This agreement aims to establish a lower-carbon hydrogen demonstration facility at the Shaybah Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) recovery plant in Saudi Arabia. This facility is anticipated to have a daily production capacity of six tons of hydrogen, utilizing renewable electricity for electrified steam reforming of hydrocarbons to generate lower-carbon hydrogen. The resulting carbon dioxide will be captured and securely stored.
Direct Air Capture: Aramco is collaborating with Siemens Energy to develop a Direct Air Capture (DAC) test unit in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, with the ability to capture up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide annually. This test unit, slated for completion in 2024, will pave the way for a larger pilot plant with a carbon capture capacity of 1,250 tons per year.
Novel CO2 Sequestration: Aramco has successfully conducted a pilot program for a unique carbon dioxide sequestration solution through in situ mineralization. This method involves dissolving carbon dioxide in water and injecting it into volcanic rocks in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This process permanently converts carbon dioxide into carbonate rocks, and it was developed with input from Aramco and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, employing several innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Geothermal Energy: Aramco is also exploring the expansion of its renewable energy portfolio by harnessing geothermal energy. This involves converting naturally heated underground aquifer steam into electricity. Three potential areas on the west coast of Saudi Arabia have already been identified and surveyed using advanced subsurface technologies, and assessments are underway to determine the extent of geothermal resources at each location.