Saudi climate action through carbon capture and storage initiatives

Saudi climate action through carbon capture and storage initiatives

Plumes of smoke rise from Europe's largest lignite power plant in Belchatow, central Poland. (AP)
Plumes of smoke rise from Europe's largest lignite power plant in Belchatow, central Poland. (AP)
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The Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, the world’s leading authority on CCS, reports that the level of policy support from governments reached historic highs in 2023. This has strengthened the business case for CCS and resulted in the project pipeline growing more rapidly in the past year than at any other time.

Furthermore, CCS in the Middle East and Africa region already accounts for around 8 percent of global capture capacity and is on the cusp of a remarkable uptrend, with commitments by the UAE and Saudi Arabia in announcing net-zero targets for 2050 and 2060 respectively.

Saudi Arabia, a global energy powerhouse, has embarked on an ambitious journey to combat climate change and transition toward a more sustainable future. As part of its commitment to the circular carbon economy, or CCE, the Kingdom is actively pursuing carbon capture and storage initiatives.

The Joint Development Agreement with Saudi Aramco is one of the largest initiatives on this front. This agreement aims to establish one of the biggest CCS hubs globally. The hub will be located in Jubail Industrial City and is set to start operating by 2027.

In its first phase, it will have the capacity to extract and store 9 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide. The long-term goal is to extract, utilize, and store a staggering 44 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide by 2035. In equal measures, the Al-Khobar CCS Project will capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources.

The captured carbon dioxide will be transported and stored in geological formations deep underground. This project represents a significant step toward achieving the Kingdom’s climate goals.

Saudi Arabia’s carbon capture and storage initiatives demonstrate its determination to address climate change head-on.

Khulood Rambo

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is constructing the world’s largest green hydrogen plant. The plant is set to produce up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen per day by 2026, which will play a crucial role in decarbonizing the energy sector.

In addition to ongoing efforts in the renewable energy transition, showing the Kingdom’s heavy investments, 13 new projects are underway, with a total capacity of 11.4 gigawatts. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to generate 50 percent of its power capacity from renewables. These projects are expected to reduce approximately 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to combat climate change, improve quality of life, and protect the environment for future generations. This initiative focuses on three key targets: Emissions reduction, afforestation, and land and sea protection.

Emissions reduction includes measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions; afforestation targets involve planting 10 billion trees in Saudi Arabia and 50 billion across the Middle East; and land and sea protection aims to safeguard natural ecosystems.

Saudi Arabia is committed to placing 30 percent of its land and sea under protection by 2030. Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration are an integral part of this effort.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the GHG Crediting and Offsetting Scheme in early 2024, which aims to support and incentivize emission reduction and removal projects across all sectors in the Kingdom.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s carbon capture and storage initiatives demonstrate its determination to address climate change head-on. By leveraging technology, international partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global leader in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Khulood Rambo is a former research affiliate and visiting scholar at MIT, a private sector consultant, and a government program manager specializing in water, energy, food nexus, climate change, and sustainability.

 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Pakistan, China agree to strengthen defense ties amid regional challenges

Pakistan, China agree to strengthen defense ties amid regional challenges
Updated 48 sec ago
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Pakistan, China agree to strengthen defense ties amid regional challenges

Pakistan, China agree to strengthen defense ties amid regional challenges
  • General Asim Munir hosts vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission at the GHQ
  • Chinese general praises Pakistan’s commitment to ties with Beijing, counter-terrorism efforts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Wednesday agreed to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, with both sides emphasizing the strategic importance of their partnership during high-level discussions at the army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, led a delegation to meet Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir. The visit included a one-on-one meeting between the two generals, followed by delegation-level talks.
"The engagements focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, measures for regional stability, and enhancing bilateral defense cooperation," the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.
"General Asim Munir underscored the enduring and all-weather nature of Pakistan-China relations, emphasizing their foundation of mutual trust and cooperation," the statement added, noting that the army chief thanked the Chinese leadership for standing firmly with Pakistan, irrespective of changes in the international and regional environment.
The ISPR also quoted the Chinese general praising Pakistan’s commitment to the strategic partnership, commending the army’s professionalism and resolve in counter-terrorism efforts. He reiterated China’s determination to strengthen defense ties and deepen collaboration for regional stability.
China already plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economic and strategic framework, primarily through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, Chinese authorities have expressed concerns over attacks on their nationals working on various CPEC projects by militant groups of differing ideologies.
Earlier, General Zhang paid tribute to Pakistan’s fallen soldiers by laying a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument upon his arrival at GHQ. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honor by a contingent of the Pakistan Army.


Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon
Updated 4 min 23 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's ministry of foreign affairs expressed said the Kingdom welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon in a statement posted on X on Wednesday. 

The Kingdom expressed appreciation for all international efforts made for the ceasefire, adding that it hoped it would lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolution (1701) and the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability and the return of the displaced to their homes in safety and security.

Resolution 1701 calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.


Prince Sultan International Airport drives Tabuk’s growth with 25% surge in flights

Prince Sultan International Airport drives Tabuk’s growth with 25% surge in flights
Updated 23 min 28 sec ago
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Prince Sultan International Airport drives Tabuk’s growth with 25% surge in flights

Prince Sultan International Airport drives Tabuk’s growth with 25% surge in flights

JEDDAH: Prince Sultan International Airport in Tabuk is playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s transportation expansion, with a 25 percent increase in flight operations.

This surge highlights the region’s alignment with Vision 2030, focusing on enhanced logistics, connectivity, and sustainability.

During a recent visit to the region, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser affirmed that Tabuk is experiencing substantial growth, which supports the broader objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

The minister emphasized that the rise in airport operations  — including both the number of flights and the diversity of domestic and international routes — signals further development in the coming years.

Launched in 2021, Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics strategy aims to transform the country into a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

The strategy seeks to elevate all transport services and is a central element of Vision 2030. The plan includes an investment of over $266.7 billion by 2030, with $53.3 billion already deployed.

Al-Jasser also highlighted the region’s advanced road infrastructure, built to international standards, which is designed to accommodate the growing population and economic activity while ensuring safety and efficiency for travelers.

Noting the significant progress in Tabuk’s transport sector, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership for its ongoing commitment to improving services across all sectors, particularly in transportation.

He emphasized that these initiatives not only address current demands but are also geared towards future goals, particularly in enhancing supply chain efficiency and supporting both domestic and international logistics networks.

The minister further underscored the importance of environmental sustainability in transportation, advocating for eco-friendly solutions and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into transport operations.

Al-Jasser also acknowledged the leadership of Tabuk Gov. Prince Fahd bin Sultan, praising his steadfast support for the region’s development projects and his role in enhancing transport services for residents and visitors alike.

He commended the strong partnership between regional authorities and the Ministry of Transport, which has been instrumental in achieving shared goals.

During his visit, the minister held discussions with members of the Tabuk Chamber of Commerce, exploring opportunities for further collaboration with the private sector to advance the goals of the NTLS. He also met with local residents to hear their insights, suggestions, and priorities regarding the region’s transport and logistics infrastructure.


inflation seen slowing to 5.8 percent-6.8 percent in November, ministry says

inflation seen slowing to 5.8 percent-6.8 percent in November, ministry says
Updated 23 min 49 sec ago
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inflation seen slowing to 5.8 percent-6.8 percent in November, ministry says

inflation seen slowing to 5.8 percent-6.8 percent in November, ministry says
  • Inflation may further slow to 5.6 percent-6.5 percent in December, says ministry
  • Pakistan slashed interest rates by 250 basis points earlier in November

KARACHI: Inflation in Pakistan is expected to slow to 5.8 percent-6.8 percent in November, and then further to 5.6 percent-6.5 percent in December, the finance ministry said in its monthly economic report on Wednesday.

The South Asian country slashed interest rates by 250 basis points earlier in November in a bid to revive a sluggish economy amid a big drop in the rate of inflation.

Inflation clocked in at 7.2 percent in October, a sharp drop from a multi-decade high of nearly 40 percent in May 2023.


Why is Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan in jail?

Why is Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan in jail?
Updated 28 min 42 sec ago
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Why is Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan in jail?

Why is Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan in jail?
  • Khan first arrested in May 2023 over allegations he received a land bribe through a trust created when he was in office 
  • Khan, now in jail since August 2023, also faces charges of terrorism and is accused of revealing state secrets 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital Islamabad was gripped by violence on Tuesday as protesters demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with security forces near the parliament.

Here is a look at some of the allegations against the 72-year-old cricketer-turned-politician — named in dozens of cases since he left office in 2022 — that have kept him behind bars for more than a year.

GRAFT ALLEGATIONS

Khan was first arrested in May 2023 in relation to allegations that his wife, Bushra Bibi, and he received land worth up to 7 billion rupees ($25 million) as a bribe through a trust created in 2018, while he still held office.
His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has maintained the land was donated for charitable purposes.
Khan was released on bail after three days in prison, during which his supporters attacked and set fire to military and other state installations, with eight people killed in the violence.

ABETTING VIOLENCE

Khan is facing anti-terrorism charges in connection with the violence that followed his arrest in May last year, and in relation to which several of his supporters have already been sentenced.
PTI said in July that authorities had issued fresh arrest warrants for him in three different cases related to the clashes.

STATE SECRETS

Khan was accused of making public a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington in 2022, while he still held office.
He was acquitted in the case in June.

UNLAWFUL MARRIAGE

Khan and his wife were accused of breaking Islamic law by failing to observe the mandated waiting period between Bibi’s divorce from her previous husband and their marriage in 2018 .