Saudi Aramco is making significant strides towards localising key energy initiatives through a series of high-profile agreements and projects that span the spectrum of sustainability, carbon capture, and petrochemical expansion.

These deals, involving strategic collaborations with international energy giants and local partners, are central to Aramco’s ongoing commitment to fostering Saudi Arabia’s energy future while advancing localisation and innovation.

In a notable announcement, Aramco signed a landmark shareholders’ agreement with Linde and SLB, two global leaders in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

This agreement marks the beginning of the development of a CCS hub in Jubail, poised to become one of the largest of its kind worldwide.

The project’s first phase will capture up to 9 million tonnes of CO2 annually, leveraging the Kingdom’s extensive geological potential for CO2 storage in saline aquifers.

Aramco’s 60 per cent equity stake, alongside Linde and SLB’s 20 per cent each, underscores the company’s leadership role in not just advancing emission mitigation strategies but also in driving local capabilities and knowledge.

The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision of a circular carbon economy and contributes directly to the nation’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

The venture is also set to support Aramco’s commitment to reaching net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions across its wholly owned operated assets by 2050.

Further demonstrating Aramco’s dedication to localisation, the company has partnered with TotalEnergies and Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) to explore the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant in the Kingdom.

This project, which builds on the circular economy concept, will harness local waste materials – such as used cooking oils and animal fats – to produce SAF.

The partnership is another example of the growing collaboration between international and Saudi companies to support the Kingdom’s energy diversification and sustainability targets.

The localisation aspect is particularly evident in the involvement of SIRC, a Saudi company focused on recycling and waste management.

By incorporating locally sourced materials and knowledge, the project seeks to ensure that the benefits of SAF production are maximised within the Kingdom, boosting its industrial capabilities and job creation while contributing to global decarbonisation goals.

In another development, Aramco signed a Development Framework Agreement with its affiliate Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company (SASREF) and Rongsheng Petrochemical, a Chinese petrochemical company.

This agreement sets the stage for an expansion of the SASREF refining and petrochemical complex in Jubail.

The project is expected to meet rising global demand for high-quality petrochemical products and enhance the Kingdom's standing in the global petrochemical market.

Finally, in a move that aligns with Aramco’s broader climate goals, the company has entered into a partnership with Gulf Cryo to test lower-carbon hydrogen and carbon capture technologies in Saudi Arabia’s harsh climate conditions.

These tests will be conducted at the newly established Applications and Technologies Center at King Salman Energy Park (Spark), further solidifying the Kingdom as a key player in the global energy transition.

Through these agreements and projects, Aramco is not only driving global innovation in energy and sustainability but also ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of the energy industry by localising key technologies, creating jobs, and fostering a greener future.