Saudi Energy Minister launches first DAC unit

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, launched the operation of the first direct air carbon capture (DAC) testing unit after it was installed at the facilities of the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, in partnership with Climeworks Co.

 

The Ministry of Energy stated that the mobile unit officially started operating, capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air, demonstrating the effectiveness of this pioneering technology even under hot and arid climate conditions.

 

 

The launch reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the circular carbon economy, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to implementing direct air carbon capture (DAC) solutions to meet its climate goals, in alignment with Vision 2030 and its national strategies.

 

Operating the unit marks a significant step in supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to develop circular carbon economy technologies, particularly in the field of direct air capture.

 

The project aims to assess the system’s performance under harsh climate conditions and high temperatures, which differ from the cold environments—such as Iceland—where the unit is usually deployed.

 

This trial will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of deploying such technologies across other regions of the Kingdom and in similar climates worldwide.

 

The ministry emphasized that this strategic partnership highlights the Kingdom’s economic potential to localize DAC technologies, backed by abundant renewable energy resources, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic geographic location.

 

These advantages position Saudi Arabia as a leading hub for implementing DAC solutions at industrial scale and economically viable costs, leveraging its energy abundance to help achieve net-zero climate goals.

 

It noted that the success of the trial represents a major milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop advanced carbon management solutions.

 

Saudi Arabia has announced its ambition to capture and utilize up to 44 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2035 through the development of large carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) hubs in both the Eastern and Western regions. These hubs aim to collect industrial emissions and convert CO₂ into economically valuable products.

 

The ongoing study on DAC technology is also assessing the potential to localize core materials and components, which could enhance the development of a local supply chain. This approach underscores the Kingdom’s pioneering role in scaling up technologies that help reduce emissions, while also fostering industrial innovation and supporting economic diversification.