Baker Hughes has donated JewelSuite™ reservoir modeling software to KAUST to enhance teaching, learning, and research. The software simplifies modeling and streamlines the building of accurate 3-D reservoir models. It will enable students and faculty to gain a clearer picture of the subsurface and predict oil or gas deposits. Why it matters: This donation will help KAUST train future leaders in the petroleum engineering industry and advance research in reservoir modeling.
Lockheed Martin and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) signed a memorandum of understanding on November 15. The agreement was signed by Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson and KAUST Interim President Nadhmi Al-Nasr. Why it matters: This partnership could foster collaboration on advanced technology research and development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST and GE have partnered to study the feasibility of using crude oils like Arabian Super Light (ASL) to power heavy-duty gas turbines. The collaboration aims to develop turbines capable of burning crude oil directly from the ground to meet Saudi Arabia's energy security needs. The research involves building a rig at KAUST's High Pressure Combustion Laboratory (HPCL) to conduct corrosion tests on turbine materials by burning ASL/AXL crude continuously for 2,000 hours. Why it matters: This partnership could reduce reliance on natural gas and offer an economically viable alternative fuel source, bolstering energy security in Saudi Arabia and potentially influencing turbine technology worldwide.
KAUST Professors Hussein Hoteit and Satoshi Habuchi are collaborating to optimize hydrocarbon extraction using polymers. Hoteit's expertise in energy resources and petroleum engineering combines with Habuchi's molecular imaging tools. Their approach, known as polymer flooding, reduces costs and environmental impact by using less water. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary collaboration highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovative solutions for enhanced oil recovery, a critical area for Saudi Arabia's energy sector.
KAUST and McLaren Racing have announced a five-year research partnership focused on R&D and extreme performance technology for Formula 1 cars. The collaboration will leverage KAUST's expertise in areas like sensors, electronics, numerical simulations, and fuel/engine combustion research. KAUST researchers will develop new experimental methods, mathematical models, and train students to understand complex systems. Why it matters: This partnership allows KAUST to apply its research to a real-world laboratory (Formula 1), fostering innovation in fuel technology, combustion, sensors, and algorithms with potential spillover effects for the broader automotive and engineering sectors in the region.
KAUST and McLaren Racing have expanded their 5-year partnership to include collaborative research projects across McLaren's motorsport teams. The partnership will focus on simulation methodologies, optimized computing, and high-efficiency lubricants. KAUST students and researchers will work with McLaren at the McLaren Technology Centre to deliver joint projects. Why it matters: This collaboration provides KAUST students with real-world experience in an applied R&D environment, fostering innovation in areas like materials, lightweight structures, and circularity, with potential implications for the broader automotive and technology sectors in the region.
KAUST startup uODS signed an MoU with Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company (Luberef) to develop and deploy technology removing sulfur from hydrocarbons. The uODS process, based on KAUST's sonochemistry research, reduces sulfur in marine fuels to meet IMO 2020 regulations. Luberef aims to reduce its environmental footprint by piloting the uODS technology at its Jeddah refineries, with uODS set to produce 10 tons per day of desulfurized fuel for testing. Why it matters: The partnership demonstrates KAUST's role in addressing Saudi Arabia's environmental goals and showcases the potential of university spin-offs to contribute to a more sustainable oil industry in the region.
KAUST Professors Atif Shamim and Osman Bakr received the King Prize for Honoring Inventors and the Gifted from KACST. Shamim was awarded for his real-time microwave sensing system that determines the proportion of water mixed in oil, enhancing production efficiency. Bakr won for his work on hybrid perovskite materials for optoelectronics and solar cell applications. Why it matters: The King Prize recognizes impactful innovations developed within Saudi Arabia, encouraging further advancements in key technological areas and highlighting KAUST's role in addressing national challenges.