How Saudi Arabia’s investment in blue ammonia is helping the global clean energy transition

Special How Saudi Arabia’s investment in blue ammonia is helping the global clean energy transition
A view of Saudi Aramco's Natural Gas Liquids Recovery Plant in Hawiyah, Makkah province. (Maya Siddiqui/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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Updated 14 September 2024
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How Saudi Arabia’s investment in blue ammonia is helping the global clean energy transition

How Saudi Arabia’s investment in blue ammonia is helping the global clean energy transition
  • The Kingdom’s strategic push for blue ammonia under Vision 2030 has positioned it as a leader in clean energy alternatives
  • Adoption of the circular carbon economy, carbon capture, and pioneering regulatory frameworks deemed key to the transition

RIYADH: As the world accelerates its shift toward cleaner energy sources, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of blue ammonia production, which is emerging as a key component in the global effort to combat carbon emissions and climate change.

Long a global leader in oil and gas, the Kingdom is now using its technological and economic prowess to lead in alternative energy, particularly blue ammonia, which has the potential to drive the global hydrogen economy and decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.

Blue ammonia, or NH3, is a versatile chemical compound traditionally used in agriculture as fertilizer, as well as in various industrial processes. However, its appeal as a clean energy source is gaining momentum.

The production of blue ammonia involves capturing up to 90 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions generated during its manufacture, thereby significantly reducing its environmental impact. This makes it an attractive alternative to conventional fossil fuels, especially in industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as shipping, aviation, and heavy manufacturing.

Saudi Arabia’s pivot to blue ammonia is part of its broader Vision 2030 reform agenda to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on fossil fuels and expand its renewable energy capacity. This transition is also critical to its commitment to combat climate change and contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.




The blue ammonia injection point compressor at the Hawiyah Natural Gas Liquids Recovery Plant, operated by Saudi Aramco, in Hawiyah, Makkah province. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to generate half of its energy needs from renewables and alternative sources, including hydrogen and blue ammonia, by the end of the decade.

The Kingdom will transition to natural gas and renewable energy sources in equal parts by 2030, Abdulaziz Almizani, Chief Advisor of Energy and Sustainability, told Arab News.

“Fifty percent should be by natural gas and the other 50 percent should be with renewables and alternative energy sources, hydrogen, and blue ammonia,” he said.

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Saudi Arabia is leading the clean energy transition through large-scale investment in blue ammonia, crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like shipping and aviation.

The Kingdom aims for 50 percent of its energy to come from natural gas and 50 percent from clean sources, including blue ammonia, by 2030.

Saudi Aramco and Ma’aden have already pioneered carbon-neutral ammonia exports, making significant strides in supporting the global hydrogen economy.

In addition to embracing blue ammonia production, Saudi Arabia is adopting the circular carbon economy model to manage and reduce emissions, incorporating what are known as the “4Rs” — reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove.

As part of this effort, the Kingdom is investing in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies to remove CO2 and convert it into useful products. Almizani highlighted Saudi Aramco’s role in pioneering these technologies, including the launch of a project that transforms CO2 into methanol.




Illustration courtesy of Aramco

Saudi Aramco has already become a key player in promoting the hydrogen economy, having shipped the world’s first carbon-neutral ammonia to Japan in 2020. This was a significant milestone for the global adoption of clean energy, marking Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leader in blue ammonia production and export.

Furthermore, the Saudi Arabian Mining Co., or Ma’aden, is playing a pivotal role in these efforts, recently exporting 138,000 tons of blue ammonia to South Korea — one of the largest quantities approved globally.

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Despite the high cost of production and the need for technological adaptation, Almizani is optimistic that the costs associated with blue ammonia will eventually decrease, making it more accessible and scalable.

The Kingdom’s investment in clean energy is also reflected in its new developments, such as its smart city NEOM, which is set to host the world’s largest green ammonia plant by 2025, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global leader in both green and blue ammonia production.




Illustration courtesy of NEOM

Saudi Arabia’s efforts are also supported by a strong regulatory framework aimed at promoting clean energy. Almizani emphasized the importance of establishing regulations in the energy industry to encourage private sector participation.

The Kingdom’s adoption of blue ammonia as part of its energy mix not only aligns with its domestic goals but also contributes significantly to the global fight against climate change.

As blue ammonia production scales up and technological advancements make it more cost-effective, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to emerge as a world leader in this critical area of clean energy, offering a blueprint for other nations seeking to transition away from fossil fuels.
 

 


Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region: Windows into history, gates to adventure

Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region: Windows into history, gates to adventure
Updated 58 min 46 sec ago
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Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region: Windows into history, gates to adventure

Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region: Windows into history, gates to adventure
  • There are at least 1,826 caves in the Kingdom, consisting of underground passages and tunnels formed by natural processes in dry limestone areas
  • Caves and sinkholes offer a glimpse into the past, often revealing the secrets of humanity and unique geological formations

RIYADH: At least 542 caves and sinkholes had been discovered in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders region, offering a wealth of destinations for tourists, adventurers and researchers, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.

Formed by geological processes, the caves and sinkholes of varying surface shapes offer a glimpse into the past, often revealing the secrets of humanity and unique geological formations, said the report, quoting Burjas Al-Falih, a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy and a speleologist. 

Cave tourism has seen a surge in popularity among tourists and adventurers in the Kingdom in recent years. Among the most famous are the Jabal Qarah in Hufuf, the Dahl Heet in Riyadh city, and the Shuwaimis cave in Hail region. 

Caves and sinkholes offer a glimpse into the past, often revealing the secrets of humanity and unique geological formations. (SPA)

Teams from Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife (NCW) have recently began examining caves in the Northern Borders region as part of its Caves Exploration Program, which began in 2022.

According to the center, there are at least 1,826 caves in the Kingdom, consisting of underground passages and tunnels formed by natural processes in dry limestone areas — evidence of a historical era that experienced prolonged rainy climatic conditions.

The rock structures, often featuring stalactites and stalagmites, create breathtaking views.

Al-Falih emphasized the importance of documenting cave explorations. 

By clarifying locations, types, and access, adventurers can explore these sites responsibly, preserving their components and avoiding tampering, he said. 

The rock structures, often featuring stalactites and stalagmites, create breathtaking views. (SPA)

Organizing official trips to these locations can also help ensure their protection, he added.

In earlier SPA report, Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban, the chief executive officer of NCW, explained that the discoveries in the caves hold significant historical environmental value for the Kingdom.

“The cave ecosystems serve as a historical museum, providing evidence of the biological diversity that has existed in the Kingdom throughout various historical eras, as well as the spatial, environmental, and climatic changes in the Arabian Peninsula,” he was quoted as saying.

He said the center’s earlier discovery of Arabian cheetah mummies in a cave — with some skeletons estimated to be over 4,000 years old — provided the first evidence of the species’ presence in the Kingdom. 

Researchers from the center had also discovered rare bats and the remains of several extinct animals, he said.

The cave ecosystem is one of the rarest and most important of its kind in the world, recognized as natural heritage by UNESCO.
 


Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
  • The officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields.

They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to the developments. 


Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece

Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece

Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece
  • The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia

CRETE, Greece: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces took part on Sunday in a joint naval-air exercise called Medusa 13, being held in Greece.

The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia, and aims to strengthen international military cooperation and enhance naval security, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Col. Naval Commander Fahd Al-Humaidi Al-Otaibi, the exercise commander, explained that Medusa 13 is designed to build alliances and foster joint security cooperation among participating nations.

The focus of the exercise is on executing joint combat missions using modern weaponry, coordinating between different units to counter unconventional maritime threats, and exchanging expertise in securing operational areas from various dangers.

The Saudi naval forces’ participation includes a range of units, such as the Special Naval Security Units, Marine Infantry, His Majesty’s Ships, and Naval Aviation. The exercise will take place both on the Greek island of Crete and in key operational areas in the Mediterranean Sea.

Medusa 13 will feature military operations, information operations, amphibious assaults, and a civilian evacuation scenario, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the training. The joint exercise is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the naval capabilities of all participating nations while promoting regional security.


Saudi ministry promotes broiler pigeon breeding

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)
The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi ministry promotes broiler pigeon breeding

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)

RIYADH: In a bid to boost food security and protein diversity, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently hosted a workshop in Riyadh for broiler pigeon breeders.

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aimed to equip breeders with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise broiler pigeon production to 16 million birds annually, equivalent to 12,000 tons of meat.

By increasing production and adopting modern breeding techniques, the ministry hopes to boost food security and reduce reliance on imports.

The ministry emphasized the importance of collaboration with Saudi universities to conduct research that supports the productive and economic aspects of broiler pigeon breeding.

Broiler pigeon breeding is seen as a promising project in Saudi Arabia due to its contribution to food security and potential to preserve natural resources.

By investing in this sector, the Kingdom aims to achieve its national targets while promoting sustainable agriculture.

 


Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine
Updated 13 October 2024
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Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine
  • The two sides discussed various topics of common interest

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Palestine to the Kingdom Basem Al-Agha on Sunday in Riyadh, where they held friendly talks.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Algerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sherif Walid in Dammam on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various topics of common interest.

The Algerian ambassador thanked Prince Saud for the warm reception.