Saudi Aramco has introduced the Kingdom’s first direct air capture (DAC) test unit, marking a significant step in its effort to reduce carbon emissions. The unit is designed to capture 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the air every year.
Developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy, this pilot plant will play a vital role in enhancing DAC technology. Aramco is focusing on these advanced carbon capture solutions to reduce emissions from industries that are difficult to decarbonize. Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s senior vice president, emphasized the importance of DAC in addressing greenhouse gases. He added that the CO2 extracted could be repurposed to produce more sustainable chemicals and fuels.
The launch of the DAC test facility is in line with Saudi Arabia’s long-term plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The Kingdom is pursuing a circular carbon economy strategy that includes reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions.
This project also contributes to the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to cut carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by 2030. Additionally, the Kingdom intends to generate half of its energy from renewable sources by that time. Aramco’s new DAC plant supports these objectives and further demonstrates the company’s commitment to tackling climate change.
As part of its larger vision, Aramco intends to use the facility as a testing ground for next-generation CO2 capture materials. These materials are designed to function optimally in Saudi Arabia’s unique climate. The company also aims to reduce the cost of DAC technology, facilitating faster adoption across the region.
Aramco, in partnership with Siemens Energy, is exploring the potential to expand the use of this technology with plans for large-scale DAC projects in the future. This move follows Aramco’s recent collaboration with Linde and SLB to develop a carbon capture and storage hub in Jubail, capable of capturing 9 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
