Discover Aramco’s cutting-edge approaches to minimizing carbon footprints, from Direct Air Capture to geothermal energy exploration.
In a bid to minimize its carbon footprint, global energy and chemicals giant, Aramco, is charting new paths in emission reduction. The company is delving into cutting-edge solutions, including producing low-carbon hydrogen, implementing Direct Air Capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide (CO2) and employing a unique technique to sequester CO2 by converting it into stone. Furthermore, geothermal energy, a renewable source, is also on their radar.
These initiatives align with Aramco’s goal to attain its net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in its primary operations by 2050. These plans also support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach net zero by 2060. The specifics of these projects were shared during the MENA Climate Week 2023, held in Saudi Arabia from October 8 to 12.
Ahmad Al Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation at Aramco, remarked on the company’s commitment to pioneering ways of curbing greenhouse gas emissions. He emphasized the importance of collaborations across various sectors in pushing forward technology solutions for substantial impact. The company envisions a circular carbon economy that meets current and future energy needs.
Project highlights
Lower-carbon hydrogen
After a successful pilot in Denmark, Aramco is collaborating with energy tech firm Topsoe to build a low-carbon hydrogen demonstration plant in Saudi Arabia. This facility, located at the Shaybah Natural Gas Liquids recovery plant, aims to produce six tons of low-carbon hydrogen daily. This hydrogen, produced using renewable electricity, will serve the power generation sector, with the resultant CO2 being safely stored away.
Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology
In partnership with Siemens Energy, Aramco is set to introduce a DAC test unit in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This prototype, to be operational by 2024, will be capable of capturing 12 tons of CO2 annually. The success of this test could spearhead the creation of a more expansive facility with a capture capacity of 1,250 tons yearly.
Innovative CO2 storage
A unique pilot by Aramco has showcased a method to sequester CO2 by transforming it into carbonate rocks. Executed in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, this approach involves the dissolution of CO2 in water, which is then injected into volcanic rocks. Representatives from both Aramco and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology jointly helmed this project, introducing several advancements to enhance efficiency.
Harnessing geothermal energy
Expanding its renewable energy spectrum, Aramco is probing the potential of geothermal energy. This entails converting steam from subterranean hot water sources into electricity. Three probable sites along Saudi Arabia’s west coast have been pinpointed for this purpose, and evaluations are ongoing to determine the geothermal potential at these locations.
In conclusion, Aramco is harnessing technology and partnerships to drive innovative solutions in the fight against climate change, underlining its commitment to a more sustainable energy future.
Also read:
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- Building With Carbon: How Carbon Craft Design is Tackling Air Pollution
- How to Integrate Environmental Sustainability into Your Business Strategy
Header Image Courtesy of Unsplash
Press release link: https://www.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2023/aramco-advances-development-of-emissions-reduction-solutions
