Aramco Unveils Saudi Arabia's First CO2 Direct Air Capture Test Unit For Carbon Reduction

Saudi Aramco has introduced Saudi Arabia's inaugural CO2 Direct Air Capture (DAC) test unit, which can remove 12 tons of carbon dioxide annually from the atmosphere. This pilot plant, developed with Siemens Energy, marks a significant step in expanding DAC capabilities. The facility will serve as a testing ground for advanced CO2 capture materials tailored to Saudi Arabia's unique climate.

Aramco and Siemens Energy plan to continue their collaboration to scale up this technology. Their goal is to lay the groundwork for large-scale DAC facilities in the future. This partnership aims to achieve cost reductions that could accelerate the deployment of DAC technologies in the region.

The launch of this DAC test facility follows a December 2024 announcement. Aramco, along with partners Linde and SLB, signed a shareholders' agreement for developing a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) hub in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Phase one of this hub will capture nine million tons of CO2 from three Aramco gas plants and other industrial sources.

Projects like these highlight Aramco's commitment to carbon capture, a key element in its ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company is exploring options to capture CO2 at emission points and directly from the atmosphere through innovative technology solutions.

Ali Al-Meshari, Aramco's Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight and Coordination, stated: "Technologies that directly capture carbon dioxide from the air will likely play an important role in reducing gas emissions moving forward, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. The test facility launched by Aramco is a key step in our efforts to scale up viable DAC systems for deployment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. In addition to helping address emissions, the CO2 extracted through this process can, in turn, be used to produce more sustainable chemicals and fuels."

Commitment to Sustainability

The new DAC facility underscores Aramco's dedication to sustainability through its circular carbon economy approach. By deploying innovative technology solutions, Aramco aims to address emissions effectively while contributing to sustainable chemical and fuel production.

This initiative represents a crucial part of Aramco's strategy to mitigate environmental impact while supporting technological advancements in carbon capture. As these efforts progress, they may significantly influence how industries manage emissions globally.

With inputs from SPA