Aramco, the oil giant of Saudi Arabia, is partnering with the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to establish a technology consortium, signaling a significant push for environmentally friendly materials in the country.
As per the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the collaboration, known as ENERCOMP, will focus on the performance and integrity management of nonmetallics and composites in energy applications. Aramco, as a founding member and initial research sponsor, aims to drive advancements in the power sector, according to a press release. The five-year technology consortium represents a substantial investment in university-led research and development, with a specific focus on nonmetallics and composites in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the initiative will create an innovation hub.
Exemplary model for uniting technology value chain
Both parties view this collaboration as an exemplary model for uniting a novel technology value chain to enhance the country’s position in energy and materials transitions. The joint investment is aligned with Vision 2030, which promotes sustainability and diversification by fostering the development of materials that are less energy-intensive and have a reduced carbon footprint.
Leveraging expertise from leading initiatives
Aramco will contribute its expertise gained from initiatives like the Rice University Carbon Hub in the US and the Nonmetallic Innovation Center in the UK to support ENERCOMP in translating foundational science into practical integrity management solutions, according to the statement.
Bolstering industry confidence in nonmetallics and composites
The announcement emphasizes that the initiative aims to bolster industry confidence in the enduring significance of nonmetallics and composites as crucial components of the materials transition. Following the model of the Nonmetallic Innovation Center, the initiative seeks to encourage other players in the energy sector to join the consortium and leverage the state-of-the-art research capabilities of KAUST in engineering solutions, artificial intelligence, and material science.
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