In the sprawling deserts of Saudi Arabia, a monumental shift is underway, as the Kingdom grapples with the monumental task of decarbonizing its energy and industrial sectors. A new study, published in Carbon Capture Science & Technology, led by Feras Rowaihy of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), sheds light on the economic implications of deploying carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies in the region. The findings offer a roadmap for Saudi Arabia to significantly contribute to global net-zero ambitions while navigating the complex landscape of industrial emissions.
The research, based on 2022 data, provides a comprehensive analysis of CO₂ emissions across key sectors in Saudi Arabia, including electricity, petrochemicals, refineries, cement, steel, ammonia production, and desalination. The study’s authors have estimated the capture costs by integrating stationary emission plant data with reference cases from analogous industrial sectors. The analysis reveals an average CO₂ capture cost of $69 per ton, with significant variability across industries. This variability underscores the importance of regional and sector-specific strategies in the Kingdom’s decarbonization efforts.
Ammonia production stands out as the most cost-efficient sector for CO₂ capture, with costs as low as $11 per ton, thanks to its high CO₂ concentration. On the other hand, smaller-scale operations can incur costs up to $189 per ton. The study emphasizes that economies of scale and CO₂ concentration are pivotal in determining the feasibility of capture technologies. “The Eastern region, with its planned CCS hub in Jubail, emerges as the most promising for near-term deployment,” Rowaihy noted. “However, the Western region requires additional focus on storage alternatives such as mineralization.”
The research highlights that Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape, characterized by large-scale emitters, is well-positioned for cost-effective CCUS implementation. By benchmarking against global capture costs, the study underscores the potential for significant commercial impacts in the energy sector. The findings suggest that prioritizing low-cost capture opportunities and developing tailored strategies could pave the way for Saudi Arabia’s significant contribution to global net-zero ambitions.
The study’s insights offer a compelling narrative for the energy sector, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to decarbonization. As Saudi Arabia strives to achieve its net-zero emissions goal by 2060, the research provides a critical roadmap for leveraging CCUS technologies. By identifying low-cost capture opportunities and focusing on regional and sector-specific conditions, the Kingdom can drive substantial progress in reducing CO₂ emissions. The commercial implications are vast, with potential benefits for investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike. The study’s comprehensive analysis, published in Carbon Capture Science & Technology, offers a robust framework for future developments in the field, setting the stage for a greener and more sustainable energy future.
