Saudi Aramco, in partnership with Siemens Energy, has launched the first direct air capture (DAC) unit in Saudi Arabia. This pilot facility is designed to extract 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and explore sustainable technologies.

Located in Dhahran, the DAC unit serves as a testing ground for advanced CO₂ capture materials that are suited for Saudi Arabia’s specific climate. Aramco plans to utilize this facility to lower costs and accelerate the implementation of DAC technologies throughout the region. The collaboration with Siemens Energy highlights a mutual goal of scaling up this technology, with the potential for developing larger DAC facilities in the future.

Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight and Coordination, pointed out the crucial role of DAC technologies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize. He noted that capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air is likely to be vital for emissions reduction in the future, particularly in challenging industries. Al-Meshari also mentioned that the CO₂ captured through this process could be used to create more sustainable chemicals and fuels.

This initiative aligns with Aramco’s broader sustainability objectives, which include reaching net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across all its operated assets by 2050. The company is exploring various carbon management strategies, including both point-source carbon capture and direct air capture technologies, as part of its circular carbon economy framework.

The unveiling of the DAC test unit follows Aramco’s strategic initiatives to enhance its carbon capture and storage capabilities. In December 2024, Aramco, along with Linde and SLB, signed a shareholders’ agreement to establish a carbon capture and storage hub in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The first phase of this project is projected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the capacity to capture up to nine million tonnes of CO₂ annually from multiple industrial sources.

Aramco has actively pursued partnerships to enhance emissions reduction solutions. In October 2023, the company announced its collaboration with Siemens Energy for the DAC test unit, aiming to eventually develop a larger pilot plant that could capture 1,250 tonnes of CO₂ each year. Additionally, Aramco participated in an $80 million investment round for Los Angeles-based CarbonCapture, underlining its commitment to supporting innovative carbon capture technologies.

While the implementation of DAC technology promises benefits, it has also faced scrutiny due to high costs and questions about scalability. Nevertheless, Aramco’s strategic investments and pilot projects are designed to address these challenges by evaluating the effectiveness of DAC systems in practical settings. The insights gained from these efforts are expected to facilitate the wider adoption of DAC technologies, both in Saudi Arabia and around the world.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental sustainability is further demonstrated through its Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to cut carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by 2030 and transition 50% of the country’s energy sources to renewable options. The launch of the DAC test unit is a concrete step toward meeting these ambitious targets and reinforces the kingdom’s role in tackling global climate issues.

In addition to DAC technology, Aramco is exploring innovative CO₂ sequestration methods. The company has piloted a CO₂ sequestration solution involving in situ mineralization, which entails dissolving CO₂ in water and injecting it into volcanic rocks in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This method permanently transforms CO₂ into carbonate rocks, offering a potential solution for long-term carbon storage.

Furthermore, Aramco is assessing geothermal energy as part of its renewable energy strategy. By converting steam from naturally heated underground aquifers into electricity, the company aims to diversify its energy sources. Three potential areas on Saudi Arabia’s west coast have been identified for geothermal resource evaluation, reflecting Aramco’s commitment to exploring various avenues for sustainable energy production.

The collaboration between Aramco and Siemens Energy in developing the DAC test unit underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing environmental technologies. By harnessing their combined expertise and resources, both companies seek to tackle existing challenges related to DAC technology, including high operational costs and scalability concerns. The success of this pilot project could pave the way for similar initiatives globally, contributing to worldwide efforts to combat climate change.