Enowa and KAUST held the Enowa-KAUST Energy Summit 2024, celebrating the third year of their Energy Cortex Program. The Energy Cortex Program funds applied research for clean energy solutions, focusing on renewable energy technologies led by KAUST faculty. The program is structured around Weatherlytics, GenFlex Cortex, Stor Cortex, and Grid Cortex, and has engaged KAUST professors, produced six journal papers, and provided NEOM with data. Why it matters: This partnership aims to revolutionize renewable energy in Saudi Arabia by integrating AI and advanced data analytics to optimize energy generation and distribution, supporting the Kingdom's sustainable energy goals.
KAUST, ENOWA, and SEC are partnering on a pilot project to capture 30 tonnes of CO2 per day from SEC’s Green Duba power plant at NEOM, using cryogenic carbon capture technology. The captured carbon will be used for food and beverage applications and to produce e-fuels. Saudi Electricity Company will build and operate the pilot plant. Why it matters: This partnership demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to decarbonization and showcases the potential of cryogenic carbon capture for reducing the Kingdom's carbon footprint.
KAUST, NEOM’s Education, Research, and Innovation Foundation (ERIF), and ENOWA have formed a partnership to support Saudi Arabia’s hydrogen economy. ERIF has sponsored three strategic projects under its Hydrogen and e-Fuels Applied Research Institute (HEFARI) with KAUST researchers focusing on developing hydrogen as a renewable energy vector. The projects cover carbon-neutral fuels, cost-effective electrolyzer technologies, and lowering emissions from green ammonia. Why it matters: This collaboration aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a leader in green hydrogen technologies and sustainable fuel production, aligning with the Kingdom's decarbonization goals.
Gilles Lubineau, KAUST's Discovery Associate Dean for Faculty in PSE and PI in the COHMAS lab, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. Lubineau's nomination recognizes his contributions to material engineering, specifically developing approaches for predicting and improving the integrity of materials and structures. He hopes this nomination will build bridges between European and Saudi academic communities. Why it matters: This recognition of a KAUST faculty member elevates the university's international standing and fosters potential collaborations in engineering and materials science.
The Dow Innovation Center at KAUST was inaugurated on May 15, 2018, to support Dow's research efforts in Saudi Arabia. The 13,500 m² center will house R&D facilities and the Dow Digital Marketplace Center. It will focus on oil and gas technology, sustainable coating, and industrial chemicals with state-of-the-art labs and offices. Why it matters: This center signifies a commitment to innovation and talent development in Saudi Arabia, fostering a highly skilled workforce and supporting the Kingdom's growth.
KAUST's Discovery Week featured a gala and awards ceremony. Professor Gilles Lubineau opened the proceedings at the 2017 WEP Final Gala. A Javanese shadow puppet performance of the “Ramayana Epic” was also part of the event. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's commitment to cultural exchange alongside its research activities.
KAUST's Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC) developed Multiple Object Adaptive Optics (MOAO) software. The software will contribute to the activities of the world's largest future optical telescope to be deployed in Chile in 2024. MOAO will eliminate atmospheric noise and enable simultaneous observation of multiple objects at different distances. Why it matters: This contribution highlights KAUST's role in cutting-edge astronomical research and positions the Middle East as a key player in advancing observational astronomy.
KAUST and NEOM have signed an agreement to establish the KAUST-NEOM Center of Excellence for NEOM Research at KAUST. The center will focus on solutions for challenges in sustainable energy, urban planning, agriculture, seismology, water desalination, AI, big data, and sensors. NEOM will be backed by over $500 billion in funding. Why it matters: The partnership signifies a major investment in R&D and technological innovation within Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's vision for economic diversification and development of cutting-edge technologies.