Latest news with #CircularCarbonEconomy
Observer
16 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
GCC scores 41.5 in 2024 CCE Index
MUSCAT: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries achieved an average score of 41.5 in the 2024 Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) Index, surpassing the global average, according to figures released by the Gulf Statistical Centre. The CCE Index evaluates the performance of 125 countries in their transition towards net-zero emissions by measuring the integration of mitigation technologies alongside enabling tools within a circular carbon economy framework. Notably, the contribution of renewable energy plant capacity in GCC countries to global renewable energy design capacity rose significantly — from just 0.03 per cent in 2015 to 0.43 per cent in 2024. The GCC region currently operates three commercial facilities capable of capturing and storing 3.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually through Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies. This capacity is expected to increase dramatically to 65 million tonnes by 2035. CCS and broader Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) initiatives are seen as critical instruments for limiting global temperature rise to 2°C and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. — ONA
Arab News
28-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia's Circular Carbon Economy Framework is setting a global benchmark for emissions reduction
RIYADH: Introduced during Saudi Arabia's G20 presidency, the Circular Carbon Economy Framework has gained significant traction, advancing emissions cuts, renewable energy investments, and carbon capture efforts. In 2020, G20 leaders endorsed the framework to promote a sustainable, cost-effective approach to addressing climate change while ensuring clean energy access. Building on this, the Kingdom launched its Circular Carbon Economy National Program in 2021 to reduce and offset carbon dioxide emissions through strategies of reduction, recycling, reuse, and removal. 'With the creation of the Circular Carbon Economy National Program, Saudi Arabia has made several critical decisions that directly contribute to sustainability and climate change mitigation,' Jorge Gascon, a chemical engineering professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, told Arab News. These decisions include 'policy integration, renewable energy investment, and carbon capture initiatives.' The program also recognizes the importance of natural carbon absorption and sets an ambitious goal to sustainably manage, restore, and preserve 1 billion hectares of degraded land by 2040 using all available mitigation strategies. 'Saudi Arabia has embedded the CCE framework into its national policies, notably through the Saudi Green Initiative,' said Gascon. 'The SGI aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 through implementing CCE principles and accelerating the transition to a green economy through emissions reduction, afforestation, and protection of land and sea.' He noted that Saudi Arabia is shifting its energy mix toward sustainability, with a goal of 50 percent renewable energy. • Saudi Arabia has launched more than 30 Circular Carbon Economy initiatives across its energy system. • In 2021, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. • The circular economy reduces fossil fuel reliance, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and boosts energy security. On carbon capture, Gascon said: 'The Kingdom is engaged in international advocacy, notably during its G20 presidency and beyond, as well as various collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing initiatives through institutions such as KAPSARC and KAUST.' KAUST is a partner in the development of the CCE Strategy, along with Aramco, the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, AEON Strategy, and numerous other organizations. The CCE's development aligns with earlier efforts to promote sustainability. At the Future Investment Initiative forum in 2019, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman discussed the CCE. The following year, at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Riyadh, King Salman introduced the National Program for the Circular Carbon Economy during the 'Safeguarding the Planet' event, urging global cooperation to address climate change 'by developing the economy and increasing human prosperity.' Before the national program, Saudi Arabia had many initiatives focusing on carbon capture and conversion into valuable raw materials. 'Numerous areas of research at KAUST intersect with CCE, including catalysis, clean combustion, advanced membranes, and porous materials,' Gascon said. 'KAUST supported a parallel Circular Carbon Initiative to capture the contributing science and technology.' He added: 'CCE builds on the principles of the circular economy while recognizing that removal must play a key role in achieving this circularity. 'In this way, a 4R (reduce, reuse, recycle, remove) approach is proposed to manage carbon emissions effectively, resulting in a closed loop that minimizes waste and CO2 emissions.' Gascon highlighted that 'the paradigm shift of the CCE occurs when we recognize carbon as a friend rather than an enemy.' Through the Circular Carbon Economy Framework and various energy initiatives, Saudi Arabia is strategically establishing itself as a global leader in CCE. This position is backed by the Kingdom's abundant natural resources, significant technological investments and a strong commitment to sustainable development. Majed Al-Qatari, a sustainability leader, ecological engineer, and UN youth ambassador, said that since the G20 launch of the CCE framework, 'Saudi Arabia has introduced relevant and impactful initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the National Renewable Energy Program.' He told Arab News that 'these bold efforts demonstrate tangible progress in reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy and deploying carbon capture technologies.' Al-Qatari cited NEOM, one of the Kingdom's flagship projects, as a 'real-world testing ground for these efforts, embedding zero-carbon infrastructure, smart energy systems, and net-zero mobility.' He added: 'In 2025 and beyond, I expect further scaling of blue and green hydrogen projects, along with enhanced regional cooperation in carbon management.' Al-Qatari also highlighted the four pillars of the CCE framework: reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove. 'The Kingdom applies this through initiatives like energy efficiency standards (reduce), CO2 utilization in industrial processes (reuse), circular water reuse in agriculture (recycle), and large-scale carbon capture and storage projects such as those by Aramco/SABIC (remove),' he said. Asked what he believes was the motivating factor for Saudi Arabia's adoption of the Circular Carbon Economy Framework during the G20, Al-Qatari said: 'Saudi Arabia sought to play a leading role in advancing a global dialogue that aligns climate goals with economic mandates. 'The CCE framework was introduced in order to showcase an inclusive, technologically neutral mechanism that takes into account relevant pathways to mitigate carbon emissions without compromising energy security or economic development.' Al-Qatari noted that the framework has become a global reference model, particularly for hydrocarbon-reliant economies. 'The framework offers a transition pathway that is practical and inclusive of conventional sources of energy like oil and gas while advancing climate goals,' he said. 'Other jurisdictions are considering the Kingdom's model in order to customize it for their local contexts.' Looking to the future, Al-Qatari highlighted Saudi Arabia's target of net-zero emissions by 2060. 'Such targets will be fostered by innovation, renewables, hydrogen, carbon management, and circular practices,' he said. 'Future goals would involve expanding circularity practices into other sectors and materials such as water, and waste sectors, while also crystallizing local environmental, social, and governance markets and strengthening regulatory frameworks for corporate sustainability and sustainable finance.' When asked about the role of innovation and technology in advancing CCE, Gascon stressed KAUST's importance in research and development. 'KAUST is pioneering breakthroughs in CO2 capture, including direct air capture, cryogenic CO2 capture, and other point-source technologies, as well as nature-based carbon sequestration strategies and geological storage solutions,' he said. 'It also drives advancements in synthetic fuels, such as clean ammonia and hydrogen carriers, alongside the integration of renewable energy and the optimization of industrial processes. 'KAUST collaborates with industry leaders, including Saudi Aramco and NEOM, to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture and sustainable fuel technologies.' Gascon emphasized that KAUST's research and public-private partnerships align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 sustainability goals. 'Implementing national policies, such as Vision 2030, ensures strategic alignment with circular economy principles, focusing on reducing pollution and improving resource utilization,' he said.
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait's public, private sectors together against carbon emissions, climate change
The State of Kuwait witnessed recently various collaborations between the public and private sectors in combating carbon emissions and reinforcing environmental sustainability. Kuwait's environmental policies came in line with international standards and the country's own commitment to the environment. Speaking to KUNA in this regard, public and private sector representatives touted their roles in decreasing the country's carbon emissions. Chemical engineer at the Public Authority for Industry (PAI) Narjes Al-Hawwaj affirmed that industrial complexes were eager to reduce their carbon imprints via the latest technologies and utilizing clean fuel sources for their operations. She indicated that the state's industrial strategy of 2035, issued by PAI, came to reinforce environmental sustainability according to international accords in addition to Kuwait's 2050 decreased carbon emission strategy. She revealed that carbon emissions from the industrial sector were considered small, about 2.15 percent, compared to the energy and water desalination sectors with the percentage amounting to 95.8 from the total of carbon emissions, while waste was numbered at 1.95 percent according to statistics issued by the 2050 long-term national development strategy for decreased carbon emissions in Kuwait and related international accords. On her part, senior engineer at the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Asmaa Al-Sallal said that the ministry had launched a number of initiatives that would reduce carbon emissions. Latest technologies to produce energy and water with less pollutants were pursued, she asserted, pointing out that for instance, recycled Carbon Dioxide (CO2) was used in operations, saving around 1,221 tons annual of carbon emissions. She affirmed that seeking a better environment had also decreased the cost of constructing boilers by around KD 12 million (USD 38.9 million), adding that the cost of fuel was also reduced by KD 35.5 million (approx. USD 115 million). Similarly, Dalal Al-Ajmi -- head of the climate change department at the Environment Public Authority (EPA) -- asserted that Kuwait would abide by the UN's climate change accord, which included a commitment to reduce carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 with a focus to reach 7.5 percent carbon emissions before 2035. Utilizing renewable energy, managing energy consumption, and developing rapid transportation projects were key national efforts to tackle increased carbon emissions, she stressed, saying that projects such as Al-Zour refinery, and biofuel use in producing energy were amongst projects geared toward such goals. Kuwait is focusing currently on the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE), which entailed the recycling and getting rid of carbon emissions, Al-Ajmi revealed, indicating that Kuwait had major projects in this regard including the reintroduction of mangrove plants, which could hold around 12.3 kilograms of CO2 per plant annually. On the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), director of gas production and projects Engineer Abdullah Al-Mutairi said that the company had devised an ambitious plan to harness carbon emissions in coordination with companies affiliated with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) with the aim of zero carbon emissions by 2050. He pointed out that the company aimed at harnessing 26 million tons of CO2 by 2050, noting that the scheme would be divided into three phases starting by 2030. Once harnessed, the CO2 would be stored in biological containers west of the country while further looking for other storage methods down the line, he added. Also providing a statement, the head of the environmental team at the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) Hussam Jamal said that several efforts were underway to decrease greenhouse gasses, pointing out that Flare Gas Recovery Units (FGRU) in the refineries of Mina Abdullah and Mina Al-Ahmadi and numerous recycling initiatives were part of the efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change. In regards to the FGRU projects -- which are essentially systems that capture flare gases and redirect them back into production workflows for reuse as fuel gas -- Jamal said that in the Mina Abdullah refinery the reduction reached 91,736 tons annually, while in Al-Ahmadi refinery, it reached 54,419 tons annually. He revealed that KNPC was planning to establish FGRU units in other refineries, noting that the company contributed a small nine percent to the total carbon emission number in the State of Kuwait. He noted that the KNPC was also planning to increase energy efficiency in refineries, reducing at the same time, energy consumption by 12 percent as well as carbon emissions and harmful material to the environment. Program Manager for the Flagship Projects Program, Research Directorate, at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) Dina Al-Naqib announced the launch of the "White Papers, Kuwait's Energy Transition," the first comprehensive roadmap for energy transformation in Kuwait and environmental sustainability. She indicated that the paper opened the way for around USD 392 billion in economic opportunities, which in turned decreased carbon emissions and boosted energy efficiency. Al-Naqib said that Kuwait is placed sixth globally in carbon emissions per individual at 20.8 tons of CO2 annually, revealing that the total of Kuwait's emissions dwarfed other countries with around 0.3 percent of the global percentage. Back to the White Paper, Al-Naqib affirmed that Kuwait, throughout the document, was eager to achieve carbon neutrality in the oil sector by 2050 and on the national level by 2060, adding that Kuwait's energy transformation would decrease oil and gas consumption by 3.4 billion tons, help plant 340 million trees, install 500,000 smart electricity meters, and shifts 75 percent public and private sector to owned vehicles to electric or hybrid, bringing in USD 240 billion in investments. EQUATE Petrochemical Company said on its part that it kick-started a pioneering project to harness CO2 in the Ethylene Glycols manufactory to decrease carbon imprint and boost industrial sustainability, noting that around 735,460 tons of carbon was harnessed since the project was launched. Harnessed carbon is sent to the Kuwait Industrial Gases Company for recycling, a matter that reinforces Circular Carbon Economy (CCE), indicated EQUATE, predicting that the volume of harnessed carbon might reach 4.3 million tons by 2050. Providing a similar input, a statement by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) said that cooperation within Kuwait and abroad was underway in the Turquoise hydrogen technologies to produce hydrogen in a way to reduce carbon imprint in heavy industries. KISR touted a project that reduced CO2 emissions in the manufacturing of concrete with the method of decreasing carbon emission by 30 percent. All KUNA right are reserved © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab Times
24-02-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait's public and private sectors unite to combat carbon emissions and meet climate goals
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: Kuwait is witnessing an increasing level of collaboration between its public and private sectors, with a shared focus on combating carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. These efforts align with international environmental standards and Kuwait's commitment to global climate change goals. Key stakeholders from both sectors recently spoke to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) about their roles in reducing the country's carbon footprint. Narjes Al-Hajj, a chemical engineer at the Public Authority for Industry (PAI), emphasized the industrial sector's eagerness to reduce carbon emissions by adopting the latest technologies and utilizing clean fuel sources. She highlighted that the National Industrial Strategy of 2035, outlined by PAI, aims to reinforce environmental sustainability in line with international agreements and Kuwait's 2050 carbon reduction strategy. Although the industrial sector accounts for only 2.15% of Kuwait's carbon emissions, Al-Hajj noted that the energy and water desalination sectors are the largest contributors, accounting for 95.8% of the nation's total emissions. Asmaa Al-Sallal, Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, revealed that the ministry has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, particularly in desalination plants. By implementing advanced technologies, including the use of recycled CO2 in operations, the ministry has saved approximately 1,221 tons of carbon emissions annually. This initiative has also led to significant cost reductions in boiler construction and fuel consumption. Dalal Al-Ajmi, Head of the Climate Change Department at the Environment Public Authority (EPA), reiterated Kuwait's commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. She stated that Kuwait aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a short-term goal of reducing emissions by 7.5% by 2035. Key initiatives include expanding renewable energy use, improving energy efficiency, and developing rapid transportation solutions. Al-Ajmi also highlighted Kuwait's focus on the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE), which aims to reduce, reuse, and recycle carbon emissions. This includes initiatives like mangrove reforestation, where each tree sequesters up to 12.3 kilograms of CO2 annually. On the energy front, the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to capture 26 million tons of CO2 annually by 2050. This project, coordinated with other entities under Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), will unfold in three stages, beginning in 2030. The captured carbon will be stored in geological reservoirs, contributing to enhanced oil and gas extraction while reducing the overall carbon footprint. The Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has also been proactive in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through flare gas recovery units (FGRUs) at its Mina Abdullah and Mina Al-Ahmadi refineries, KNPC has reduced emissions by 91,736 tons and 54,419 tons annually, respectively. The company plans to expand these units across additional refineries and further enhance energy efficiency, aiming for a 12% reduction in energy consumption and emissions. In the academic sector, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) launched the "White Paper for Energy Transition," a comprehensive roadmap to transform Kuwait's energy system from its reliance on fossil fuels to a sustainable, low-carbon framework. Dina Al-Naqeeb, Program Manager at KFAS, emphasized that this transition could unlock $392 billion in economic opportunities while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Kuwait aims to achieve carbon neutrality in the oil sector by 2050 and nationwide by 2060. The transformation will include reducing oil and gas consumption, planting 340 million trees, installing 500,000 smart electricity meters, and converting 75% of government and private vehicles to electric or hybrid models. EQUATE Petrochemical Company is also contributing to Kuwait's green initiatives. The company has launched a carbon capture project at its Ethylene Glycol plant, capturing 735,460 tons of CO2 since its inception. The captured carbon is sent to the Kuwait Industrial Gases Company for reuse, contributing to the circular carbon economy. EQUATE plans to capture 4.3 million tons of CO2 by 2050, supporting the green economy and sustainable industrial practices. The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) is further advancing Kuwait's environmental efforts by developing turquoise hydrogen technologies to reduce carbon footprints in heavy industries. KISR has also pioneered methods for recycling CO2 in concrete production, resulting in a 30% reduction in emissions. This technology plays a key role in promoting the circular carbon economy in the construction sector. These coordinated efforts demonstrate Kuwait's commitment to achieving environmental sustainability and meeting its international climate obligations. By embracing clean technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting carbon recycling, the country is advancing its vision for a low-carbon economy while contributing to the global fight against climate change.
