KAUST develops technology to convert carbon dioxide into rock
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have demonstrated the feasibility of a revolutionary technology that converts carbon dioxide into stable rock permanently trapped underground. This innovative technique utilizes a closed-loop system that recycles water from deep underground, removing one of the major obstacles to implementing this environmental approach in arid environments with scarce freshwater.
Historical development of carbon capture technologies
Over the past decades, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have evolved as a crucial tool for combating climate change and reducing industrial emissions. Historically, these processes originated in the oil and gas sector to enhance oil recovery, but with growing environmental awareness, the focus has shifted towards sustainable and secure storage. Carbon mineralization, or "mineral carbonization," is a well-established scientific concept, but until recently, it relied heavily on the availability of vast quantities of fresh water and highly reactive volcanic rock. Previous estimates suggested that this process could require 20 to 50 times the amount of water needed to capture carbon, limiting its applicability outside of specific, water-rich geological zones.
A pioneering field experiment in converting carbon dioxide into rocks
To overcome these geographical and environmental limitations, KAUST scientists led a pioneering field experiment in the Jazan region of western Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Saudi Aramco, which operated the site and supported the injection and monitoring operations. The experiment involved injecting 131 tons of carbon dioxide deep into basaltic volcanic rock formations estimated to be between 21 and 30 million years old—much older than those used in previous global experiments. As the gas passed through the rock formations, it reacted with the surrounding minerals, and close monitoring showed that approximately 70% of it had already been transformed into solid minerals within just ten months.
Strategic dimensions and expected impact locally and globally
This scientific breakthrough is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally and regionally, this technology aligns with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aim to achieve net-zero emissions and reduce carbon emissions. The successful application of this technology in a water-scarce desert environment opens up broad prospects for countries in the Middle East and North Africa to adopt similar solutions without compromising their strategic water resources. Internationally, this achievement represents a significant boost to global efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, as it provides a practical solution for industrial areas that are concentrated in terms of emissions and lack fresh water.
Analysis of underground processes and future prospects
In this context, Professor Hussein Hoteit, Professor of Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering at KAUST, explained: “Carbon mineralization has long been considered one of the safest methods for capturing carbon dioxide, but its practical application has remained limited due to the high demand for water resources. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of applying this approach in water-scarce environments by leveraging the properties of underground systems, rather than relying on surface resources.” The researchers analyzed underground processes to determine how the gas is transformed into solid minerals, drawing on advanced international expertise, including that of the University of Iceland. Unlike conventional carbon storage technologies that keep the gas in a compressed form underground, mineralization locks it within solid rock, preventing any future leakage.
Basalt formations are found in multiple regions around the world, including parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The ability to implement this technology in older formations using recycled groundwater expands the applicability of this innovative environmental approach. This study opens new possibilities for implementing permanent carbon storage solutions in areas with limited water resources and high industrial emissions, positioning KAUST at the forefront of research institutions leading the transition to a more sustainable future.
