Climeworks Signs Agreement with KAPSARC for DAC Development in Saudi Arabia

Climeworks collaborates with KAPSARC to advance Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology in Saudi Arabia, utilizing the region’s low-carbon energy and CO2 storage potential. Image Credit : Climeworks

Climeworks, a leader in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, has signed an agreement with King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) to explore DAC development in Saudi Arabia. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum. This partnership highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing carbon removal technologies and its potential as a hub for DAC development.

Exploring the Potential for DAC in Saudi Arabia

The collaboration between Climeworks and KAPSARC focuses on leveraging Saudi Arabia's abundant low-carbon energy resources and vast underground CO2 storage potential. The region's favorable conditions for renewable energy and carbon storage make it a prime location for DAC technology.

Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking policies also support innovative climate solutions, positioning the country as a future leader in carbon removal.

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Climeworks' Role in DAC Development

Climeworks, known for its cutting-edge DAC technology, plans to bring its expertise to Saudi Arabia through this collaboration. The company has operated pilot plants in Iceland and aims to scale this experience for a full-scale facility.

This facility will advance carbon removal solutions tailored to Saudi Arabia's unique needs and geological advantages.

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KAPSARC’s Contribution to Carbon Removal

KAPSARC, a research organization focused on energy and environmental solutions, emphasizes the importance of DAC for achieving net-zero energy systems. Its Vice President of Knowledge & Analysis, Axel Pierru, underscored that the development of DAC in Saudi Arabia could play a critical role in reducing global CO2 emissions. KAPSARC’s research supports this claim, highlighting the country’s large CO2 storage capacity as a key factor in DAC success.

Saudi Arabia’s Broader DAC Efforts

The partnership with Climeworks is just one aspect of Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in DAC technologies. Saudi Arabia is also exploring additional DAC projects, with oil giant Aramco signing agreements with companies like Spiritus and Siemens Energy.

Aramco Ventures has also invested in Spiritus, signaling the country's commitment to scaling DAC solutions.