A two-year Memorandum of Understanding signed between Aker Carbon Capture and Aramco will see the duo exploring opportunities to deploy carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and industrial modularization in Saudi Arabia.

It is anticipated that the partnership will focus on carbon emissions reduction and removal through CCUS from industries and energy solutions by providing modular carbon capture plants and aftermarket services. The duo will also evaluate the potential for establishing local supply chains and module fabrication within the country.

“We are pleased to announce this opportunity with Aramco that aims to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s Net Zero 2060 ambition,” said Egil Fagerland, chief executive officer at Aker Carbon Capture. “Together, we aspire to explore the establishment of a local modular CCUS industry, creating new jobs and helping Saudi Arabia’s important journey towards net zero emissions. This MoU is a potential first step for Aker Carbon Capture into the Middle East.”

Fagerland continued, “Through the Middle East Green Initiative, the region aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 670 million tons per year. It is important for Aker Carbon Capture to support this major undertaking, which represents around 10% of global nationally determined contributions.”

The Just Catch modular concept – developed by Aker Carbon Capture – is a standardized product which enables the prefabrication of carbon capture units. At present, Aker is supplying a Just Catch unit to a site in the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled before the end of 2023.

“The partnership with Aker Carbon Capture will support our efforts in developing and deploying cutting edge technologies in the area of carbon capture,” added Ahmad Al-Sa’adi, executive vice president technical services, Aramco. “We are also exploring advanced technologies with our partners to improve efficiency and minimize emissions in transportation, low-carbon hydrogen fuels and renewables to achieve our ambition.”