KAUST develops cryogenic carbon capture technology for ships and industry
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to solidify its leading position in environmental sustainability and scientific innovation, with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) spearheading an unprecedented scientific movement to address the challenges of climate change. In a groundbreaking development for the energy and maritime transport sectors, a research team at the university has successfully developed an advanced "Cooled Carbon Capture" (CCC) technology, which has now moved from the laboratory to practical field applications.
How the technology works: The "LEGO" concept and engineering innovation
Dr. Sai Shrinivas Sridharan, the initiative's technical director at KAUST, explained that the new innovation is based on a clever engineering concept reminiscent of Lego bricks. The extraction units are designed to be portable, stackable, and easily installed on commercial vessels. This technology is uniquely capable of simultaneously capturing carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide during long-distance voyages that can last up to a month, eliminating the need for traditional and costly chemical cleaning systems.
The technology relies on freezing and compressing pollutants for storage, to be later unloaded and treated at central facilities on land, according to an operating model known as "center and periphery," which reduces the space required for equipment on board ships and increases operational efficiency.
Strategic partnerships and successful field experiences
As part of the integration between research institutions and the industrial sector in the Kingdom, KAUST launched a strategic partnership with the Saudi Electricity Company in November 2024. This collaboration resulted in the implementation of the first global demonstration research project of this technology at the Rabigh Power Plant. The research team confirmed that the project reached Level 6 on the Technology Maturity Scale (TRL 6), meaning the technology is ready for commercialization, with future plans to capture approximately 30 tons of carbon per day.
The international dimension and the future of maritime transport
This innovation is of paramount international importance given that the maritime shipping sector is responsible for a significant proportion of global emissions. KAUST's efforts align with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) goals of achieving net-zero emissions. The university actively participates in the IMO's scientific advisory committees, contributing practical solutions for measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire fuel lifecycle.
Supporting Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative
This achievement aligns perfectly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. This innovation also reinforces the concept of the "circular carbon economy," adopted by the Kingdom during its G20 presidency, which focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing emissions. These efforts have culminated in the project receiving prestigious awards, including the Emirates Energy Award and the Asia Energy Award for Best Research and Development Project of 2025.
