Aker Carbon Capture, Aramco partner for carbon capture technology in Saudi Arabia

In an effort to address the challenges of carbon emissions and bolster the Kingdom’s net-zero emission ambitions, Aker Carbon Capture and Aramco have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This partnership will focus on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), alongside industrial modularization in Saudi Arabia.

Over the span of two years, the MoU aims to curtail carbon emissions through CCUS from various industries and energy solutions. A key component of this effort includes offering modular carbon capture plants and aftermarket services. The potential for local supply chains and module fabrication is also under assessment.

Egil Fagerland, CEO of Aker Carbon Capture, expressed enthusiasm about this endeavor with Aramco. Fagerland emphasized the company’s commitment to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Net Zero 2060 ambition. He noted that this partnership could potentially mark Aker Carbon Capture’s first venture into the Middle East and contribute to the region’s Green Initiative, which seeks to reduce CO2 emissions by 670 million tonnes per year.

Aker Carbon Capture’s proprietary Just Catch modular concept is integral to this partnership. This standard product offering facilitates the prefabrication of carbon capture units. The company is currently fulfilling a contract for a Just Catch unit in the Netherlands, with delivery expected by 2023-end. Earlier in May 2023, Aker Carbon Capture won a contract for five Just Catch units from Ørsted, a Denmark-based global leader in renewable energy.

Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Technical Services, Ahmad Al-Sa’adi, highlighted the potential impact of the partnership with Aker Carbon Capture. He emphasized the exploration of advanced technologies in carbon capture, transportation efficiency, low-carbon hydrogen fuels, and renewables to further Aramco’s ambition.

The MoU also opens up opportunities for Aker Carbon Capture and Aramco to delve into the development of modular solutions across various industries in Saudi Arabia.