How Saudi Arabia is advancing clean combustion while meeting global energy demand

This photo taken on February 25, 2020, shoes Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman speaking during the iCCUS conference on enabling circular economy in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas industry has gone a long way hence in adopting carbon capture technologies to reduce industrial emissions while enhancing oil recovery. (AFP/File)
Short Url
Updated 11 February 2025
Follow

How Saudi Arabia is advancing clean combustion while meeting global energy demand

  • Kingdom’s carbon capture initiatives are cutting emissions and boosting oil recovery, paving the way for a sustainable energy future
  • KAUST has partnered with major stakeholders like SEC, the Ministry of Energy, and NEOM to develop innovative carbon capture solutions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas industry is increasingly adopting carbon capture technologies to reduce industrial emissions while enhancing oil recovery. This approach addresses environmental concerns while supporting global demand for cleaner, more reliable energy.

Carbon capture technologies are methods to trap and store carbon dioxide — or CO2 — emissions before they reach the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases from industrial processes, power plants and other sources.

As a leading oil producer, Saudi Arabia acknowledges its responsibility to combat climate change while maintaining energy security. Its efforts align with Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification and reducing reliance on oil, paving the way to net-zero emissions by 2060.

And in line with this target, the Kingdom aims to reach 44 million tonnes per annum of carbon capture, use and storage capacity by 2035.

To this end, institutions such as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology are making significant advancs in carbon capture and storage, driving innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

“Saudi Arabia’s investment in carbon capture technologies is driven by its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil,” William L. Roberts, professor of mechanical engineering at KAUST and member of the Clean Energy Research Platform, told Arab News.

“Carbon capture enables Saudi Arabia to reduce emissions from its hydrocarbon sector while supporting global demand for cleaner, affordable, reliable energy.”

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

KAUST has partnered with major industry stakeholders, including the Saudi Electricity Company, the Ministry of Energy and NEOM, to develop innovative carbon capture solutions, including a 30-tonne-per-day CO2 capture initiative at the Duba power plant.

The pilot project, launched in 2022, aims to capture 30 tonnes of CO2 daily from SEC’s Green Duba Integrated Solar Combined Cycle power plant at NEOM.

The integration of captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery offers an important opportunity for the oil and gas sector. In this process, supercritical CO2 is injected into reservoirs, changing the physical properties of residual oil and making extraction easier.

This not only boosts production efficiency but also supports a more sustainable approach to energy extraction.

The Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery Demonstration Project at the Uthmaniyah oil field is a prime example of this technique. Located in the Eastern Province, the large-scale project captures and stores about 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually from a natural gas production facility, with CO2 transported via a 85-km pipeline to the injection site.




Saudi Aramco's project at the Uthmaniyah oil field in Al-Ahsa captures and stores about 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually from a natural gas production facility. (Aramco photo)

Roberts of KAUST stressed the importance of careful management in these projects. “Monitoring CO2 injection to prevent leakage and optimizing injection rates is crucial for balancing production efficiency with environmental safety,” he said.

And although the potential benefits of carbon capture are clear, the industry faces significant challenges, including high costs and scalability.

A 2025 study published in the Carbon Capture Science and Technology journal shows that the average CO2 capture cost is $69 per tonne, with significant variability across industries. Ammonia production is the most cost-efficient, at $11 per tonne, due to its high CO2 concentration, while smaller-scale operations can face costs as high as $189 per tonne.

Emphasizing the need for a collective effort to overcome challenges, Roberts said that “collaborative research and pilot projects help to drive innovation and enable scalable, economically viable solutions for industrial carbon capture applications.”

Looking ahead, further advances in carbon capture technologies are on the horizon.




KAUST’s cryogenic carbon capture project is a promising technology that removes CO2 at low temperatures, offering high efficiency and scalability. (KAUST photos)

KAUST’s research group is actively exploring cryogenic carbon capture, a promising technology that removes CO2 at low temperatures, offering high efficiency and scalability.

Roberts said that relying on a single technology would not be enough to meet ambitious environmental goals.

“A diverse portfolio of solutions — including cryogenic capture, direct air capture, advanced membranes and chemical absorption — will be necessary to address emissions across various sectors,” he said.

This approach will lead to more flexible, cost-effective and sustainable carbon capture solutions, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

KAUST plays a crucial role in educating the next generation of engineers and scientists to advance carbon capture technologies. The university offers specialized programs in sustainability and carbon capture, equipping students with the skills needed to address key challenges in CO2 capture, storage and use.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Industrial sources are responsible for nearly 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Carbon capture can reduce up to 90 percent of CO2 emissions from industrial sources.

•. Saudi Arabia aims for 44 million tonnes of carbon capture, use and storage capacity a year by 2035.

Roberts said that a holistic approach was key to fostering innovation and ensuring the successful implementation of carbon capture solutions.

“While carbon capture is essential for reducing industrial emissions, it must be part of a broader, multi-technology strategy to meet global emissions reduction targets,” he said.

Roberts advises policymakers and industry leaders to “focus on a technology-driven approach that prioritizes scalability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”




As a leading oil producer, Saudi Arabia acknowledges its responsibility to combat climate change while maintaining energy security. (Aramco photo)

He also emphasized the need for investment in experimentation and predictive modeling to avoid potential pitfalls at large scale and called for continued support for research into innovative CO2 capture methods.

“There isn’t one answer, and we need to identify as many solutions as possible,” he said.

Roberts advocates using pilot projects as platforms to optimize technologies before large-scale implementation.

He stressed the need for collaboration between research institutions, industry and government to align policies with technological advancements.

In addition, he said that establishing clear regulatory frameworks that incentivized carbon capture deployment was crucial to making these technologies economically viable and integrating them into industrial practices.


 

 


Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation

Updated 10 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation

  • Minister outlines Kingdom’s strategies to combat water scarcity; KSrelief’s global efforts reach millions with clean water projects

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the water sector to address global challenges, emphasizing the need for integrated water resources management to ensure sustainability, overcome water scarcity, and develop resources.

Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, deputy minister for water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said that Vision 2030 prioritizes water sustainability as a key pillar of national development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

At the “Value of Water Community” forum in Rome, Al-Shaibani noted that, due to the Kingdom’s natural water scarcity, strategies have been implemented to improve efficiency, balance supply and demand, and ensure long-term sustainability.

The forum addressed Italy’s water challenges, including climate change, declining groundwater levels, and the need for advanced technologies to sustain water resources.

Al-Shaibani outlined the National Water Strategy 2030, focusing on developing alternative water sources, reducing dependence on non-renewable groundwater, enhancing desalination, improving distribution networks, and minimizing water loss.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s global efforts in water, including participation in initiatives like the G20 and collaboration with UN organizations.

Al-Shaibani emphasized investment opportunities in the Saudi water sector, especially in private sector partnerships, advanced technologies, and contributions to research and infrastructure development.

On World Water Day, observed on March 22, Saudi Arabia is recognized as the world’s largest water producer and a leader in water innovation, using artificial intelligence in desalination to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, according to SPA.

Technologies based on palm trees are also being developed to fight erosion and extend water infrastructure. These innovations strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global water technology hub, showcasing its commitment to sustainability, climate change adaptation, and environmental protection.

The Saudi Water Authority, in collaboration with all water sector stakeholders, is redefining sustainable water management to maintain the Kingdom’s leadership in efficient water resource management despite scarcity.

The authority oversees the daily production of approximately 15 million cubic meters of water, which is distributed across 14,000 km of pipelines to 135,000 km of networks throughout the Kingdom.

KSrelief has supported water and sanitation sectors in affected countries, implementing 105 water-related projects worth over $301 million across 16 nations to create safe environments and enhance water security.

Yemen is the largest beneficiary, with 46 projects totaling more than $238 million, including drinking water distribution, well drilling, and improving access to water and sanitation in healthcare centers.

In Syria, KSrelief has completed four projects to improve water security, including emergency services for earthquake victims, establishing water purification stations, and rehabilitating water stations and waste management systems in Idlib.

KSrelief has also implemented five major projects in Sudan, benefiting nearly six million people, including the drilling of 33 medium-depth wells.

In Mali, KSrelief has drilled 250 shallow and 15 medium-depth wells, and 52 wells in Ghana, providing clean water, reducing waterborne diseases, and supporting agriculture and livestock.

KSrelief recently signed a joint agreement with the UN Development Programme to assist Gaza’s water and sanitation sector, benefiting one million people.

The agency’s projects extend to Iraq, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Niger, aiming to improve water security and sustainability, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing global water challenges for future generations.


Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Updated 23 March 2025
Follow

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

  • Meeting will also be attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Sunday to chair a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Gaza.

The meeting has been assigned by the Extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

It will also be attended by Kaya Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, to discuss the latest developments in the enclave amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.


KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

Updated 23 March 2025
Follow

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.

KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.

The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.

KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.


Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Updated 23 March 2025
Follow

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

  • The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage

RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.

These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque’s reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported.

The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers.

A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages’ urban fabric.

Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style’s urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture.

It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.


Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Updated 23 March 2025
Follow

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.

The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.

This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.

As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.

Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.

This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.