Aramco, in collaboration with Siemens Energy, has unveiled Saudi Arabia’s first direct air capture (DAC) technology testing unit, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop and scale carbon removal solutions.
The newly launched facility, designed as a research and development hub, is capable of capturing up to 12 tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide annually. It will serve as a platform to trial and refine next-generation carbon capture materials, with a particular focus on their effectiveness in Saudi Arabia’s arid climate.
The joint initiative aims not only to advance the technological potential of DAC systems but also to identify pathways for cost reduction, ultimately supporting the ambition to deploy DAC at a commercial scale within the region.
Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight and Coordination, described the launch as “a key step in our efforts to scale up viable DAC systems for deployment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.” He added that the facility will not only contribute to carbon removal but will also produce captured CO₂ that could be utilised in the production of more sustainable chemicals and fuels.
The DAC project forms part of Aramco’s broader climate strategy, which encompasses both emissions reduction and carbon removal solutions. The company has committed to achieving net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across its wholly-owned and operated assets by 2050.
In line with this commitment, Aramco signed a shareholder agreement in December 2024 with Linde and SLB to establish a large-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) hub in Jubail. Phase One of the CCS hub is expected to capture up to nine million tonnes of CO₂ per year from three Aramco gas plants and additional industrial sources.
The launch of the DAC facility further signals the Kingdom’s growing focus on climate technologies and reinforces Aramco’s position as a key player in the development of scalable solutions for a lower-carbon future.
