The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), has launched the world’s first-of-its-kind research project to capture carbon and pollutants at the Rabigh Power Plant.
The project involves testing a new carbon capture technology using freezing techniques to capture carbon and treat other pollutants.
The research aims to reduce emissions resulting from fuel combustion, including carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, aligning with SEC’s sustainability goals and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
This innovative technology involves the development of a mobile platform capable of capturing up to a quarter of a ton of carbon dioxide daily, serving as a practical model for the widespread application of carbon capture in the power generation sector.
SEC Acting CEO Eng. Khalid bin Salim AlGhamdi said in a statement that this research project supports Saudi Arabia’s carbon capture efforts and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to innovative technological partnerships.
“These partnerships contribute to achieving the Kingdom’s environmental initiatives and fostering sustainability in the energy sector,” he stated.
Eng. AlGhamdi also underscored the significance of collaboration with KAUST in researching, developing, and implementing technological solutions that benefit Saudi Arabia’s environment and align with the global shift toward clean energy.
This research project marks a significant milestone in demonstrating the efficiency of the new carbon capture technology in a sector known for its challenging emission reductions. The captured carbon achieves up to 99 percent purity.
This project is consistent with the Saudi Green Initiative goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by implementing circular carbon economy techniques by 2060 or earlier, pending the maturity and availability of necessary technologies, as per the statement.
