KACST Highlights Innovative Projects At World Energy Congress For A Sustainable Future

At the 26th annual World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from April 22-25, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) showcased its innovative projects under the theme "Redesigning Energy for People and Planet." The participation of KACST underscored its commitment to propelling technological advancement and localizing technologies within key sectors such as energy, industry, and environmental sustainability. This initiative is in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to elevate the Kingdom's global stature in research, development, and innovation.

The Saudi pavilion, overseen by the Ministry of Energy, became a platform for KACST to exhibit its groundbreaking initiatives. Among these was the "Short- and Medium-Term Electricity Demand Forecasting Project," designed to enhance electricity demand prediction, minimize service provider waste, and reduce costs for consumers. Another significant project presented was the "Radiative Cooling Materials for Buildings Project," which introduces a novel material from natural sand to efficiently cool buildings in arid regions without electricity usage.

Furthermore, KACST's efforts in environmental sustainability were highlighted through the "Carbon Dioxide Sequestration in Basalt Rocks Project." This project aims at storing carbon emissions in basalt rocks prevalent along the Kingdom's western coast, supporting Saudi Arabia's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Additionally, Dr. Majed Al-Aawad, a KACST researcher, delivered a presentation on "Metal-Organic Frameworks as a Platform for Carbon Capture," spotlighting a potential leap in carbon capture technology with materials capable of selectively absorbing carbon dioxide.

This participation not only reflects KACST's pivotal role in aligning with Saudi Arabia's strategic goals but also emphasizes the Kingdom's proactive approach towards addressing global energy challenges. Through these initiatives, KACST is contributing significantly to the redesign of energy systems that are both people-centric and planet-friendly, marking a step forward in achieving sustainable development and environmental protection.

With inputs from SPA