A new milestone in climate technology was achieved as the Saudi Ministry of Energy, KAPSARC, and Climeworks launched a live demonstration of a Direct Air Capture (DAC) unit at KAPSARC’s Riyadh facilities. This project, according to the organizers, marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to advance Circular Carbon Economy technologies.
The demonstration unit, now operational, is designed to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, testing Climeworks’ technology in the challenging hot and arid conditions of Saudi Arabia—quite different from its previous deployments in colder locations like Iceland. This initiative aims to assess how DAC can be adapted for use in regions with extreme climates, broadening its global potential.
The launch event was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy, highlighting the Kingdom’s leadership in carbon management and its commitment to practical solutions for climate goals. Fahad Alajlan, President of KAPSARC, and representatives from Climeworks were also present.
This demonstration is part of a broader feasibility study under the Ministry of Energy, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum in December 2024. The project seeks to identify opportunities for scaling DAC technology in Saudi Arabia, supporting the country’s drive toward net-zero emissions.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Carbon Capture Goals
Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious target to capture and utilize up to 44 million tonnes of CO₂ each year by 2035 through large-scale carbon capture, utilization, and storage hubs, according to the organizers. These hubs will focus on both the Eastern and Western regions, aiming to consolidate industrial emissions and enable permanent storage or conversion of CO₂. The ongoing DAC study also explores the potential for developing local supply chains for critical materials, boosting economic diversification.
KAPSARC, as the Kingdom’s leading energy think tank, plays a central role in this initiative, leveraging its expertise in carbon capture and climate policy. The collaboration with Climeworks demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to advancing scalable carbon removal technologies and supporting industrial innovation.
