Aramco has launched the Kingdom’s first direct air capture (DAC) test unit, designed to remove 12 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year from the atmosphere. Developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy, the pilot plant marks a significant milestone in expanding DAC capabilities.
Testing Next-Generation CO₂ Capture Materials
The facility will serve as a testing platform for advanced CO₂ capture materials suited to Saudi Arabia’s unique climate. Aramco aims to explore cost-effective solutions that could accelerate the deployment of DAC technologies across the region.
Scaling Up for Future Large-Scale Deployment
Aramco and Siemens Energy plan to work closely to scale up this technology. Their collaboration could pave the way for large-scale DAC facilities, which will play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially in hard-to-abate sectors.
Harnessing CO₂ for Sustainable Chemicals and Fuels
“Technologies that capture carbon directly from the air will be essential in addressing emissions. The CO₂ extracted through this process can also be used to produce more sustainable chemicals and fuels,” said Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight and Coordination.
Commitment to Net-Zero and Circular Carbon Economy
Aramco remains focused on carbon capture as a key pillar of achieving net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across wholly-owned operated assets by 2050. The company is actively exploring both point-source CO₂ capture and DAC solutions through its circular carbon economy approach and innovative technologies.
Building Saudi Arabia’s Carbon Capture and Storage Hub
This DAC test unit launch builds on Aramco’s December 2024 agreement with Linde and SLB. The partnership aims to develop a carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub in Jubail. According to the press release, the project’s first phase will capture 9 million tons of CO₂. This will come from three Aramco gas plants and other industrial sources. The initiative further reinforces Aramco’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
