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.
 

 


Saudi Arabia participates in G7 health ministers’ meeting in Italy

Saudi Arabia participates in G7 health ministers’ meeting in Italy
Updated 12 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia participates in G7 health ministers’ meeting in Italy

Saudi Arabia participates in G7 health ministers’ meeting in Italy

ANCONA: Saudi Arabia took part in a meeting of health ministers in Ancona, Italy, focusing on global health priorities this week at the invitation of the Group of Seven (G7) countries.

Topics included antimicrobial resistance, the intersection of health and climate, and prolonging human life, all aimed at strengthening international efforts to tackle these challenges, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Rakan bin Khalid bin Duhaish, Assistant Undersecretary for International Cooperation, who was representing the Saudi delegation, emphasized the urgent need to address antimicrobial resistance, calling for increased international collaboration.

He also announced that the Kingdom would host the fourth high-level ministerial conference on antimicrobial resistance in Jeddah on Nov. 15 and 16.

Duhaish further highlighted the impact of climate change on public health, stressing the Kingdom's commitment to working with global partners to enhance the resilience of health systems.

Saudi Arabia’s participation at the G7 underscores its pivotal role in shaping global health strategies and reflects international trust in its initiatives to promote public health and health security worldwide.


Saudi Arabia leads Arab environmental talks in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia leads Arab environmental talks in Jeddah
Updated 12 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia leads Arab environmental talks in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia leads Arab environmental talks in Jeddah
  • The Kingdom’s hosting of these meetings highlights “its leading role in promoting joint Arab environmental action at national, regional and international levels”

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host the 35th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment from Oct. 13 to 17 in Jeddah.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in cooperation with the Arab League.

The agenda for the 35th session includes discussions on environmental challenges and nature-based solutions, the implementation of decisions taken in previous sessions, and international environmental agreements.

It will also address Arab cooperation on desertification, biodiversity and climate issues, cooperation with the G20 Global Land Initiative, progress on the Middle East Green Initiative, Arab participation in the COP16 conference in Riyadh, and various environmental topics submitted by participating countries.

The Kingdom’s hosting of these meetings highlights “its leading role in promoting joint Arab environmental action at national, regional and international levels,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.

 


Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security

Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security
Updated 12 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security

Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security
  • New aircraft and tech aim to enhance rainfall, sustainability, combat drought

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli launched new programs in Dammam on Saturday, focusing on localizing knowledge, aircraft, and advanced technologies for the Regional Cloud Seeding Program.

The event highlighted the program’s achievements since its first phase in 2022 and introduced new aircraft and technologies for rain enhancement, soon to be operational.

These advancements aim to strengthen technical and human capacities, in line with the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives for sustainability.

Al-Fadhli, chairman of the National Center of Meteorology, emphasized that the program aims to develop local expertise, ensure sustainability, expand coverage, and enhance cloud seeding efficiency.

The program also focuses on reducing aircraft operating costs and increasing the effectiveness of cloud seeding operations.

Ayman Ghulam, CEO of the National Center of Meteorology and general supervisor of the program, stressed that the program is crucial for water security and natural resource sustainability by utilizing global technologies to improve climate conditions and rainfall.

Ghulam noted significant milestones, including the first rain-seeking flight in April 2022, and ongoing research to optimize weather elements in Saudi Arabia, complementing the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives.

Ayman Al-Bar, executive director of the program, reviewed its objectives, progress, and research, highlighting the impact on water content and vegetation cover.

The program has completed six phases, with 444 flights and over 1,400 flight hours, deploying 8,753 rain-seeding flares to generate 5 billion cubic millimeters of rainfall.

Launched as an outcome of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit, the program aims to increase rainfall, expand vegetation cover, and address climate challenges, desertification, and drought. Initial operations began in Riyadh, Hail and Qassim.


Saudi, Pakistani ministers meet in Islamabad

Saudi, Pakistani ministers meet in Islamabad
Updated 12 October 2024
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Saudi, Pakistani ministers meet in Islamabad

Saudi, Pakistani ministers meet in Islamabad
  • Khalid Al-Falih also met Gen. Syed Asim Munir Ahmed, the Pakistani chief of army staff

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih recently held meetings with Pakistani Minister of Finance Mohammed Aurangzeb; Minister of Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik; and Minister of Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, during an official visit to Pakistan.

During the meetings, all sides discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral relations “and ways to develop qualitative investments,” Al-Falih wrote on X on Saturday.

He also met Gen. Syed Asim Munir Ahmed, the Pakistani chief of army staff.

“I expressed my gratitude of the warm welcome and hospitality we received,” Al-Falih added.

 


King Salman, crown prince congratulate Spanish monarch on national day

King Salman, crown prince congratulate Spanish monarch on national day
Updated 12 October 2024
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King Salman, crown prince congratulate Spanish monarch on national day

King Salman, crown prince congratulate Spanish monarch on national day
  • Oct. 12 is also commonly referred to as the Dia de la Hispanidad

RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Saturday to King Felipe VI of Spain on his country's National Day, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The king wished the Spanish monarch continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Spain steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable to King Felipe.

The National Day of Spain is a national holiday held annually on Oct. 12 and is also commonly referred to as the Dia de la Hispanidad, commemorating Spanish legacy worldwide, especially in Hispanic America.

On Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged the international community to stop selling weapons to Israel as he condemned attacks by Israeli armed forces against the United Nations’ peacekeeping force in Lebanon.