Researchers investigated reinforcement learning (RL) for adaptive traffic signal control at an urban intersection in Kuwait, aiming to mitigate urban traffic congestion. They developed a Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO)-based controller that dynamically adjusts green-phase durations using local traffic states in a realistic simulation environment informed by real-world Kuwaiti traffic data. The controller reduced average vehicle delay by 46% relative to fixed-time control and 34% relative to actuated control, while also lowering per-vehicle CO2 emissions by approximately 23%. Why it matters: This demonstrates a practical, learning-based edge traffic signal control solution for IoT-enabled smart city transportation systems, offering significant improvements in traffic flow and environmental impact for car-dependent cities in the Middle East.
Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Aramco have achieved the highest reported efficiency in converting carbon dioxide into jet fuel-range hydrocarbons, a critical step for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development. Their work, published in ChemCatalysis, details a machine learning-driven approach that identified an unconventional copper-rich catalyst capable of yielding 75% jet fuel-range product and operating continuously for over 1,000 hours. The upgraded liquid fuel met key prescreening parameters aligned with international aviation standards, including flash point and energy content. Why it matters: This breakthrough offers a more efficient and stable pathway for producing SAF from captured CO₂, addressing a significant challenge in decarbonizing the hard-to-abate aviation sector.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have demonstrated a novel method to permanently convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into solid rock underground. This system recycles water already present deep underground, addressing the critical water scarcity challenge for CO₂ mineralization in arid regions. In a field trial in western Saudi Arabia, 131 tons of CO₂ were injected into ancient basalt formations, with approximately 70% mineralized into solid minerals within ten months. Why it matters: This breakthrough significantly expands the global potential for carbon mineralization as a secure CO₂ storage solution, particularly in water-stressed industrial areas.
KAUST researchers have developed a system to convert captured carbon dioxide into industrial-grade ethylene using a high-pressure electrolyzer. The system operates under realistic industrial conditions and uses captured, high-pressure CO₂. It reduces the energy cost of producing ethylene by 0.8 gigajoules per metric ton compared to existing electrolysis systems. Why it matters: This innovation presents a direct path for transforming greenhouse gas emissions into valuable chemical products, aligning with Saudi Arabia's circular economy goals.
The Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), in partnership with PIF, SIRC, NEOM, SIKA, and ClimateCrete, has launched the "NovusCrete" Consortium to innovate in sustainable concrete solutions. The initiative prioritizes localization using materials like seawater, recycled construction waste, and fine sand, supported by entities like the American Concrete Institute (ACI). ClimateCrete, a KAUST spin-off, uses patented technology to transform fine sand into high-quality concrete sand, reducing cement use and CO2 emissions by up to 60%. Why it matters: The consortium and ClimateCrete's technology represent significant steps towards sustainable construction practices in the region, aligning with Saudi Arabia's carbon neutrality goals and fostering a deep-tech startup ecosystem.
KAUST and Partanna have launched a 12-month R&D partnership to enhance CO2 removal in concrete manufacturing. The collaboration will integrate Partanna’s formula with KAUST’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. Partanna's patented concrete avoids Portland Cement and uses a binder made from natural and recycled materials, enabling CO2 absorption. Why it matters: This partnership highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable construction and carbon-negative technologies, potentially revolutionizing building practices in the region and beyond.
ClimateCrete, a KAUST spinout, has raised investment for its technology that modifies sand particles to make them suitable for concrete manufacturing. The patented tech reduces the need for cement and lowers CO2 emissions by up to 60 percent. Tests show a significant increase in strength compared to untreated sand. Why it matters: This technology addresses the global shortage of suitable construction sand and supports Saudi Arabia's carbon-neutrality goals by enabling a 100% domestic supply chain for concrete.
KAUST and Chinese companies Shandong Lianxin Environmental Protection Technology and Hangzhou Hecai Technology will manufacture green plastics based on KAUST technology. The plastics, high molar mass aliphatic polycarbonates, are for biomedical products and food packaging due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. KAUST's method creates these polycarbonates using CO2 and sustainable raw materials without toxic metals, with production scaling over two years. Why it matters: This partnership highlights KAUST's role in developing sustainable materials and bringing them to market, with potential impact on reducing reliance on traditional plastics in sensitive applications.