Saudi Aramco to develop advanced fuel technology combinations

Saudi Aramco Technologies Co., a subsidiary of state-owned Saudi Aramco, Mazda and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) on Wednesday have launched a new research program to develop the world’s most advanced engine/ fuel combinations.

The new program is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2020 and seeks meaningful improvements in engine efficiency and CO2 reductions assessed on a well-to-wheel basis, Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Saudi Aramco’s chief technology officer, said.

“This cooperative research with Mazda and AIST underscores our shared commitment to delivering advanced technology solutions that make a significant impact on real-world issues, notably a sustainable, affordable mobility future,” Al-Khowaiter added.

Saudi Aramco will provide low carbon-content new fuels. Mazda’s contribution will be a high-efficiency advanced prototype engine based on their SKYACTIV technologies. Finally, the entire scope of research will be tested and optimized at AIST headquarters in Tokyo.

The program includes comprehensive CO2 assessment through refinery modelling, engine testing, spray diagnostics, and Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations. The anticipated benefit of this approach is a holistic view of the ICE’s environmental impact.

The new collaboration comes as part of the partners’ strategic plan to develop real solutions for CO2 reduction, while delivering efficient, reliable engine and fuels performance.