KAUST and Aramco have developed a one-step crude-to-chemicals (C2C) technology that converts crude oil to light olefins in a single-reactor system. The technology, published in Nature Catalysis, aims to maximize the production of materials used in daily life over fuels. Aramco is pursuing growth opportunities in petrochemicals using the C2C method. Why it matters: The C2C breakthrough aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and could reduce the carbon footprint associated with oil use, creating jobs and supporting a thriving economy.
KAUST researchers have developed polytriazole membranes for energy-efficient crude oil fractionation, as detailed in a recent Science Magazine paper. Led by Dr. Suzana Nunes and Dr. Stefan Chisca, the team created membranes that can withstand harsh industrial conditions like high temperatures and organic solvents. The membranes offer a low-carbon footprint alternative to traditional separation techniques like distillation. Why it matters: This innovation could significantly reduce energy consumption and promote a circular carbon economy in the petrochemical industry within the GCC region and beyond.
KAUST, Saudi Aramco, and the Ministry of Energy convened the Crude Oil to Chemicals Innovative Technologies Conference on October 23-25. The conference focused on catalysts, process optimization, and fundamental approaches for oil-to-chemicals conversion. KAUST also signed an MOU with Saudi Aramco, the Ministry of Energy, and the Oil Sustainability Program to develop relevant technologies. Why it matters: This initiative signals a move towards more sustainable hydrocarbon use and the development of advanced materials in the Kingdom.
The KAUST Research Conference on Recovery of Difficult Hydrocarbons, organized by the Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC), addressed challenges in the oil and gas industry related to meeting global hydrocarbon demand within environmental and economic constraints. The conference featured 39 presentations and focused on technical solutions for environmentally sound recovery from complex oil and gas fields in the Middle East. Discussions covered topics such as multi-scale heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs, multi-scale imaging fractures, and modeling hydrocarbons. Why it matters: The conference highlights KAUST's role in addressing critical challenges facing hydrocarbon-dependent economies in the region through research and technology development.
Aramco, Honeywell, and KAUST have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to co-develop a next-generation direct Crude-to-Chemicals (CTC) technology. The collaboration aims to develop and scale up the full CTC process, reducing capital and operating costs. The new CTC pathway is designed to convert crude oil directly into light olefins and other high-demand chemicals. Why it matters: This partnership signifies a major push for Saudi Arabia to lead in downstream innovation, aligning with Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and strengthen its position in the petrochemicals industry.
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 Ph.D. student Mohammed Al-Alouni is researching the conversion of crude oil to petrochemicals, working in the Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center and the Catalysis Center under Professor Yu Han. His work focuses on converting simple molecules into more complex and economically viable ones, inspired by the scientific approach of Jabir ibn Hayyan. Al-Alouni previously worked at Saudi Aramco and graduated from KFUPM with a bachelor's degree in 2014. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering advanced research in petrochemicals and materials science, crucial for Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts.
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.