RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas industry is increasingly adopting carbon capture technologies to reduce industrial emissions while enhancing oil recovery. This approach addresses environmental concerns while supporting global demand for cleaner, more reliable energy.

Carbon capture technologies are methods to trap and store carbon dioxide — or CO2 — emissions before they reach the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases from industrial processes, power plants and other sources.

As a leading oil producer, Saudi Arabia acknowledges its responsibility to combat climate change while maintaining energy security. Its efforts align with Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification and reducing reliance on oil, paving the way to net-zero emissions by 2060.

And in line with this target, the Kingdom aims to reach 44 million tonnes per annum of carbon capture, use and storage capacity by 2035.

To this end, institutions such as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology are making significant advancs in carbon capture and storage, driving innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

“Saudi Arabia’s investment in carbon capture technologies is driven by its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil,” William L. Roberts, a professor of mechanical engineering at KAUST and director of the Clean Combustion Research Center, told Arab News.

“Carbon capture enables Saudi Arabia to reduce emissions from its hydrocarbon sector while supporting global demand for cleaner, affordable, reliable energy.”

KAUST has partnered with major industry stakeholders, including the Saudi Electricity Company, the Ministry of Energy and NEOM, to develop innovative carbon capture solutions, including a 30-tonne-per-day CO2 capture initiative at the Duba power plant.

The pilot project, launched in 2022, aims to capture 30 tonnes of CO2 daily from SEC’s Green Duba Integrated Solar Combined Cycle power plant at NEOM.

The integration of captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery offers an important opportunity for the oil and gas sector. In this process, supercritical CO2 is injected into reservoirs, changing the physical properties of residual oil and making extraction easier.

This not only boosts production efficiency but also supports a more sustainable approach to energy extraction.

The Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery Demonstration Project at the Uthmaniyah oil field is a prime example of this technique. Located in the Eastern Province, the large-scale project captures and stores about 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually from a natural gas production facility, with CO2 transported via a 85-km pipeline to the injection site.

Roberts of KAUST stressed the importance of careful management in these projects. “Monitoring CO2 injection to prevent leakage and optimizing injection rates is crucial for balancing production efficiency with environmental safety,” he said.

And although the potential benefits of carbon capture are clear, the industry faces significant challenges, including high costs and scalability.

A 2025 study published in the Carbon Capture Science and Technology journal shows that the average CO2 capture cost is $69 per tonne, with significant variability across industries. Ammonia production is the most cost-efficient, at $11 per tonne, due to its high CO2 concentration, while smaller-scale operations can face costs as high as $189 per tonne.

Emphasizing the need for a collective effort to overcome challenges, Roberts said that “collaborative research and pilot projects help to drive innovation and enable scalable, economically viable solutions for industrial carbon capture applications.”

Looking ahead, further advances in carbon capture technologies are on the horizon.

KAUST’s research group is actively exploring cryogenic carbon capture, a promising technology that removes CO2 at low temperatures, offering high efficiency and scalability.

Roberts said that relying on a single technology would not be enough to meet ambitious environmental goals.

“A diverse portfolio of solutions — including cryogenic capture, direct air capture, advanced membranes and chemical absorption — will be necessary to address emissions across various sectors,” he said.

This approach will lead to more flexible, cost-effective and sustainable carbon capture solutions, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

KAUST plays a crucial role in educating the next generation of engineers and scientists to advance carbon capture technologies. The university offers specialized programs in sustainability and carbon capture, equipping students with the skills needed to address key challenges in CO2 capture, storage and use.

Roberts said that a holistic approach was key to fostering innovation and ensuring the successful implementation of carbon capture solutions.

“While carbon capture is essential for reducing industrial emissions, it must be part of a broader, multi-technology strategy to meet global emissions reduction targets,” he said.

Roberts advises policymakers and industry leaders to “focus on a technology-driven approach that prioritizes scalability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”

He also emphasized the need for investment in experimentation and predictive modeling to avoid potential pitfalls at large scale and called for continued support for research into innovative CO2 capture methods.

“There isn’t one answer, and we need to identify as many solutions as possible,” he said.

Roberts advocates using pilot projects as platforms to optimize technologies before large-scale implementation.

He stressed the need for collaboration between research institutions, industry and government to align policies with technological advancements.

In addition, he said that establishing clear regulatory frameworks that incentivized carbon capture deployment was crucial to making these technologies economically viable and integrating them into industrial practices.

DHAHRAN: Nestled in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, Qatif is celebrated for its fertile soil, inviting climate, and rich agricultural heritage.

One of the region’s most prized crops is the Ramsi tomato, which is native to Saudi Arabia.

It is also the main product of Mohammad Al-Ghawy’s Ramsi Tomato Farm, which spans 45,000 sq. meters in Al-Awamiyah and produces other seasonal delights including local watermelon and cantaloupe.

The succulent tomatoes are celebrated nationwide for their vibrant color, firm texture, and sweet-tangy flavor.

They are grown using traditional farming methods, which involve careful nurturing and attention to detail.

Saeed Sulail, a farmer from Qatif, told Arab News: “In terms of the harvest, the growing season lasts for more than three months, from December to the beginning of April.”

He added: “If we add the duration of planting seeds and nurseries (the greenhouses), it is approximately eight months. The soil in Qatif is enriched with nutrients and minerals that foster robust growth.”

He highlighted the importance of proper fertilization. “These are the industrial fertilizers that trees and plants need to grow well, but they must be in specific ratios for each stage of the plant’s life.”

The result of this labor of love is a delicious product packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

Ramsi tomatoes have been a staple in Qatif for centuries due to the region’s significant role as a major agricultural producer. Their popularity has spread throughout the Kingdom, making them a staple in many Saudi households.

Today, Qatif remains the primary producer of Ramsi tomatoes, with many local farms dedicating their land to their cultivation. Ramsi tomatoes hold a special place in Saudi culture, particularly during the summer months when they are in season.

They are often served as a refreshing side dish, sliced and dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper.

In many households, Ramsi tomatoes are used in traditional dishes including salads, stews and sauces, as well as the famous Saudi Arabia dish, Kabsa, which consists of meat, spices and vegetables.

Despite their popularity, production faces challenges, including climate change, desertification, water scarcity, and soil degradation.

Local farmers and authorities are working together to implement sustainable farming practices, such as drip irrigation and crop rotation.