In the sprawling industrial landscapes of Saudi Arabia, a hidden treasure trove of energy lies untapped, waiting to revolutionize the fight against climate change. This isn’t a new oil field, but rather the vast amounts of waste heat generated by the country’s refineries and petrochemical plants. A groundbreaking study published in the journal Carbon Capture Science & Technology, which translates to Carbon Capture Science and Technology, has revealed how this underutilized thermal energy could power a significant expansion of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, a critical tool in achieving net-zero emissions.
The research, led by Naser Odeh from the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, presents a compelling case for integrating DAC with industrial waste heat. “We’re talking about a massive opportunity here,” Odeh explains. “The refinery and petrochemical sectors in Saudi Arabia are emitting a tremendous amount of CO2, but they’re also producing a huge amount of waste heat that we can put to good use.”
The study estimates that these sectors generate approximately 84 terawatt-hours of waste heat annually—enough to support the capture of up to 42 million tons of CO2 each year. This would offset around 34% of the current stationary emissions from these industries, making a significant dent in their carbon footprint.
But the benefits don’t stop at emissions reduction. By repurposing this waste heat, the study finds that the average levelized cost of DAC (LCOD) for future commercial-scale systems could be reduced to $148.5 per ton. This is a substantial drop from current global benchmarks, making DAC a much more economically viable proposition.
The research also highlights the importance of scale and centralized integration. The most cost-effective opportunities for DAC deployment are concentrated in large, high-throughput industrial sites. This means that the future of DAC in Saudi Arabia could lie in clustering waste heat sources and building large-scale capture facilities.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? For one, it opens up a new avenue for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate industries. But it also presents a commercial opportunity. As the world moves towards net-zero, technologies that can capture and store CO2 will be in high demand. Companies that can offer cost-effective solutions will be well-positioned to capitalize on this growing market.
Moreover, this research aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Circular Carbon Economy framework and its 2060 net-zero target. By leveraging its industrial waste heat, the country could become a global leader in DAC technology, driving innovation and attracting investment.
The study also underscores the importance of techno-economic analysis in shaping policy and investment decisions. By understanding the costs and benefits of different technologies, policymakers and investors can make more informed choices, accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
As Odeh puts it, “This is not just about reducing emissions. It’s about creating value, driving innovation, and building a sustainable future.” The future of DAC in Saudi Arabia is heating up, and it’s all thanks to a resource that was once seen as waste.