Saudi Aramco partners with Linde Engineering to develop ammonia cracking technology 

Saudi Aramco partners with Linde Engineering to develop ammonia cracking technology 
Under the deal, Aramco and Linde Engineering will build a demonstration plant in Northern Germany to showcase this new cracking technology.  (Supplied)
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Updated 15 March 2023

Saudi Aramco partners with Linde Engineering to develop ammonia cracking technology 

Saudi Aramco partners with Linde Engineering to develop ammonia cracking technology 

RIYADH: In a move to develop a lower-carbon hydrogen supply chain, Saudi Aramco has partnered with German gas processing firm Linde Engineering to jointly develop an advanced ammonia cracking technology. 

In this technological process, ammonia is decomposed toward hydrogen and nitrogen over a catalyst. The technology is typically used in applications where hydrogen is needed as either an energy source or to form downstream manufacturing processes. 

“This agreement is part of our ongoing technology and business development efforts to establish a commercially viable lower-carbon hydrogen supply chain. We believe the advanced ammonia cracking technology we are co-developing with Linde Engineering will play a key role in realizing our objectives,” said Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Aramco. 

The collaboration will see both companies combining their experience and capabilities in industrial research and development, lower-carbon hydrogen, and ammonia cracking technology to create new commercial opportunities amid a push to achieve decarbonization.  

Under the deal, Aramco and Linde Engineering will build a demonstration plant in Northern Germany to showcase this new cracking technology.  

Linde Engineering eyes offering this technology to its current and new customers as the world sails toward a sustainable future, according to a press release.  

John van der Velden, senior vice president of Global Sales and Technology at Linde Engineering said that “effective ammonia cracking technology could support the world’s need for urgent decarbonization.”  

By completing the missing link in the export chain, he said cleaner energy can be shipped from regions with high renewable and clean energy potential to those with more limited resources.  

“We look forward to working closely with Aramco to develop and commercialize this important technology, creating new business opportunities for Linde Engineering and Aramco,” added van der Velden.  

With 180 hydrogen fueling stations and 80 hydrogen electrolysis plants worldwide, Linde Engineering is one of the global leaders in gas processing, storage, and distribution.  

Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco earlier this month reported a net profit of SR604.01 billion ($161 billion) for 2022, registering a year-on-year growth of 46.46 percent, driven by higher oil prices, increased volumes sold and improved margins for refined products.  

The Riyadh-based firm also reported a total comprehensive income of SR622.63 billion in 2022, up 48.15 percent compared to 2021.


Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector growth steady as PMI clocks 58.5 in May

Updated 11 sec ago

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector growth steady as PMI clocks 58.5 in May

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector growth steady as PMI clocks 58.5 in May

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy, in line with the goals outlined in Vision 2030, is progressing steadily as the Kingdom’s non-oil sector posted substantial momentum in May, according to a business survey. 

The latest Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index report, formerly the S&P Global Saudi Arabia PMI, revealed that the Kingdom’s PMI stood at 58.5 in May, well above the 50 reading, indicating economic growth. 

Saudi Arabia’s PMI, however, slightly went down in May, compared to 59.6 in April. 

“The Kingdom’s non-oil GDP is likely to have notably grown in the second quarter this year thanks to the healthy state of the private sector. While a slower oil economy and rising interest rates will create a challenging environment for some establishments, most Saudi firms are in good shape and experiencing robust business conditions,” said Naif Al-Ghaith, chief economist at Riyad Bank. 

He added: “May results show a small retracement from the strong April outcome, reinforcing the view that overall economic activity is holding up well as we enter the summer month.” 


Saudi Arabia to cut oil output in July, extend OPEC+ voluntary cut until end of 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman arrives for an OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria, June 3, 2023.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman arrives for an OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria, June 3, 2023.
Updated 04 June 2023

Saudi Arabia to cut oil output in July, extend OPEC+ voluntary cut until end of 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman arrives for an OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria, June 3, 2023.
  • OPEC+ member countries agreed a new output target of 40.46 million bpd from 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will extend its voluntary cut of 500,000 bpd until the end of December 2024, in coordination with some countries participating in the OPEC+ agreement, the Kingdom’s energy ministry said on Sunday.

This voluntary reduction from the required production level was agreed upon at the OPEC+ meeting held on Sunday, the ministry added.

The ministry also announced an additional voluntary oil output cut of 1 million bpd for July, which could be extended further.

This would mean that the Kingdom’s production becomes 9 million bpd, and its total voluntary cut will be 1.5 million bpd in July, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry said the additional voluntary cut comes to reinforce the precautionary efforts made by OPEC+ countries that aim to support the stability and balance of oil markets.

OPEC+ member countries also agreed a new output target of 40.46 million bpd from 2024, a statement issued by the group said.


Saudi Arabia, China contemplate energy security through petrochemical JVs

Saudi Arabia, China contemplate energy security through petrochemical JVs
Updated 04 June 2023

Saudi Arabia, China contemplate energy security through petrochemical JVs

Saudi Arabia, China contemplate energy security through petrochemical JVs

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China are collaborating to ensure safe energy supplies in their markets by planning to establish petrochemical joint ventures.

Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz Al-Saud held a meeting with the chairman of the National Energy Authority of the Republic of China, Zhang Jianhua, in Riyadh to discuss JVs that will transform crude oil into petrochemicals and develop innovative uses of hydrocarbons, nuclear energy and fuel. 

Both nations are working to increase collaboration in the energy sector’s supply chains. 

Al-Saud and Zhang also discussed ways to boost ties between the countries in numerous energy fields, which will help achieve the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. 

Further collaborations between both countries are anticipated as the Kingdom is set to host the 10th session of the Arab-Chinese Business Conference and the eighth Investment Symposium. 

Set to take place between June 11 and 12 in Riyadh, the conference is expected to be the largest Arab-Chinese gathering for business and investment. 

It will host over 2,000 participants, including high-level government representatives, senior officials, CEOs, investors and entrepreneurs.

“Collaborating for Prosperity” aims to boost cooperation in the economy, trade and investment to achieve solutions of mutual interest to Arab nations and China through strategic collaboration. 

It is organized by the Kingdom’s investment and foreign affairs ministries in partnership with the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade and several government agencies. 

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said that trade and cultural ties between Arab countries and China extended over 2,000 years and that the conference reflected that historical relationship. 

He added that Saudi-Chinese relations had developed, especially following King Salman’s visit to China in 2017 and the two historic visits by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Beijing in 2016 and 2019. 

Trade in 2022 between the Arab countries and China reached SR1.6 trillion ($430 billion), a 31 percent increase from the previous year. 

Saudi Arabia led the way with trade between the countries reaching around SR400 billion ($106 billion), a 30 percent increase over 2021.  


PIF-owned Riyadh Air receives designator code from IATA

PIF-owned Riyadh Air receives designator code from IATA
Updated 04 June 2023

PIF-owned Riyadh Air receives designator code from IATA

PIF-owned Riyadh Air receives designator code from IATA
  • Riyadh Air unveils first of two liveries

RIYADH: Marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s new world-class carrier as it prepares to start operations, Riyadh Air secured the “RX” designator code from the International Air Transport Association.  

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas made this announcement at the IATA’s 79th annual general meeting being held in Istanbul, Turkiye.  

“We are delighted to announce that we have obtained ‘RX’ as our IATA code, which will be on every touch point that our guests see as they take flight with us. The code reflects our ambition to be a digitally led airline, having the connection of innovation and state-of-the-art technology,” Douglas said.  

The new airline also unveiled the first of two liveries it will deploy as preparations continue for its launch of flights in 2025.

 

It released a video on social media on Sunday illustrating its livery. Owned entirely by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was inaugurated in March, with a vision to transform the Kingdom’s capital into a global hub for travel and trade.  

The airline, gearing up to start operations by early 2025, confirmed an order of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners the same month, and is anticipated to order another 150 Boeing 737 Max soon.  

“Riyadh Air has made another strategic milestone toward its operations in 2025, and we are so excited for our guests to be able to travel to over 100 destinations with our code on their bag tags, booking documents and digital services,” Douglas added.   

The airline aims to leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic positioning, linking the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. This initiative will stimulate economic growth and diversification in the Kingdom, creating over 200,000 job opportunities, both directly and indirectly.

Riyadh Air was founded to bolster the Kingdom’s national aviation strategy as well as the broader national transport and logistics strategy, aligning with the ambition to achieve Vision 2030 objectives.  

“It has been an absolute pleasure to be on the ground at the IATA AGM. The Riyadh Air team is able to meet with industry stakeholders and experts to discuss safe, efficient and technologically advanced topics in the global air travel industry,” Douglas stated.  

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Saudi Arabia to sign deals to promote Egyptian investment in industrial, mining sectors

Saudi Arabia to sign deals to promote Egyptian investment in industrial, mining sectors
Updated 04 June 2023

Saudi Arabia to sign deals to promote Egyptian investment in industrial, mining sectors

Saudi Arabia to sign deals to promote Egyptian investment in industrial, mining sectors

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plans to sign two agreements with Egypt to boost the North African country’s participation in the Kingdom’s industrial and mining sectors in line with Vision 2030.
During his visit to Egypt, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef expressed the Kingdom’s keenness to facilitate Egyptian investors.
It is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to bolster the role of the mining and industrial sectors in the national economy and increase their contribution by attracting foreign investment.
According to Alkhorayef, the first agreement seeks to “preserve commercial activity between the two countries and reduce obstacles, as well as finance exports through the Saudi Export Bank.” 
He said the other agreement would form a partnership with some Egyptian companies specialized in targeted activities in the Kingdom. 
On Saturday, the minister began his official tour to Egypt to discuss bilateral relations and explore opportunities to enhance cooperation in the industry and mining sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.  
Alkhorayef is accompanied by Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Osama Al-Zamil.   
He met with various government officials and investors in the industrial and mining sectors from both countries and visited several factories.  
“There are many opportunities that we see when it comes to the collaboration between us and our brothers in Egypt that will help accelerate the projects that are being built in those sectors,” noted the minister.  
Last year, the volume of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports to Egypt exceeded SR11 billion ($2.9 billion), while imports totaled SR10 billion.   
The Kingdom’s primary exports to Egypt included petrochemicals, building materials, and medicines, while key imports comprised food products, heavy machinery and electronics.   
On Sunday, Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir said that trade exchange between countries surged 23.9 percent in 2022 to reach $5.6 billion.  
He said the year ended with $6 billion worth of Saudi investments in Egypt and $1.6 billion of Egyptian investments in the Kingdom.  
Alkhorayef said: “The trade between both countries is witnessing growth, but the aspirations of the leadership are much bigger.”