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Aiming for a new carbon neutrality goal by 2060, Saudi Arabia has outlined a pathway marked by ambitious projects and technologies. From expansive solar megaprojects in the desert to revolutionary carbon capture and utilization facilities, the kingdom is embracing green innovation.

The kingdom has now unveiled a new Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) facility in the Western Region.

This plant is a joint venture between Saudi industrial giant Petro Rabigh and Kuwaiti gas expert Gulf Cryo, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the region’s Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) plant and unlock new possibilities for CO2 reuse across the kingdom.

Launched as part of a 20-year agreement, the facility showcases a capability to capture 300 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) daily directly from the emissions of the MEG plant.

This equates to an annual neutralization of 100,000 metric tons of CO2, marking an 85% reduction in the plant’s overall carbon footprint.

This purified, food-grade CO2 will find new applications in various industries across the kingdom, including water desalination, food preservation, agriculture, and beverage carbonation, making it a win-win scenario for the environment and the economy.

This facility represents the first CCU plant dedicated to the merchant market in the Western Region and the second in the kingdom, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a greener future.