Aramco, a global leader in integrated energy and chemicals, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to support research aimed at generating both environmental and commercial benefits.
Over the next decade, Aramco plans to invest up to $100 million in research and development projects at KAUST. The funding will be allocated across a broad spectrum of initiatives, ranging from fundamental research to applied technologies, as KAUST strives to advance the frontiers of science and innovation.
Amin H. Nasser, Aramco’s President & CEO, stated, “This collaboration will further strengthen our relationship with KAUST. We are eager to explore new opportunities and push the boundaries of R&D and technology development, underscoring our commitment to innovation across various industries and applications.”
KAUST President Tony Chan highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, “This collaboration reflects KAUST’s commitment to fostering impactful research that drives technological progress and addresses real-world challenges. Together with Aramco, we will harness our collective expertise to create innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”
The collaboration will focus on areas such as the energy transition, sustainability, materials transition, upstream technologies, and digital solutions, with a strong emphasis on delivering commercially viable outcomes.
Specific topics within the energy transition include research on liquids-to-chemicals conversion, future refineries, and low-carbon aviation fuels. Sustainability efforts will cover hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, renewables, and energy storage solutions. Additionally, the partnership is expected to explore advanced carbon materials, geothermal energy, and other cutting-edge technologies.
