The ongoing atmospheric influx of greenhouse gases (GHG) from various human activities is a global environmental challenge. For the first time on record, CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has exceeded 410 ppm, a direct result of fossil-fuel combustion and deforestation. GHG emissions’ contribution to climate change has become an urgent public and governmental concern. The oil & gas industry is facing unprecedented pressure to redefine its business model. While fossil fuels are expected to remain the primary source of energy in the near future, urgent solutions are needed to mitigate GHG emissions.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is among the nations that signed and ratified the Paris Agreement and pledged to eliminate up to 130 million metric tons of avoided CO2-equivalent (MtCO2) per annum by 2030. At the 2019 Future Investment Initiative, the Saudi Minister of Energy introduced the concept of a "Circular Carbon Economy". This concept represents a comprehensive approach to address the dual challenge of energy and the environment by adopting four principals (4Rs). The 4Rs correspond to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Remove. The 4th R (Remove) is only achievable by long-term carbon storage in the subsurface. The role of geological CO2 storage is yet to be determined, especially in KSA and the Gulf region.
This conference comes at a critical time for the oil&gas industry’s preparation for a low carbon economy. This conference seeks to raise and address critical questions about the role of geological CO2 storage in a low carbon economy and in meeting the INDC, the enablers of geological storage of CO2 in KSA and the Gulf region, the potential subsurface storage capacity in KSA, the feasibility of storage in deep saline aquifers and basaltic rocks, the business case by combining CO2 storage for geothermal energy and enhanced oil recovery, the synergies between hydrogen production and storage, geologic hazards, and regulatory frames.
The proposed event aspires to provide a platform for internal collaborations among ANPERC, affiliated faculty (ErSE), KAUST centers (CCRC, KCC, AMPM), networking, identifying potential faculty candidates, student inspiration, and establishing impactful collaborations to address critical challenges in the energy and environment, aligned with KAUST’s mission.
The 2021 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology's Research Conference: Enabling CO2 Geological Storage within a Low-Carbon Economy will take place between February 22-24
virtually at the beautiful KAUST campus on the shores of the Red Sea. Over the three-day conference, short sessions will set the scene: from regional energy needs to geological potential, from subsurface fluid flow to drilling, from surface energy conversion systems to regulations and economics. Plenty of time is assigned for discussions and break-out meetings.
We hope you enjoy ANPERC's very first
virtual Conference!
Tadeusz Patzek, Center Director & Professor, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Hussein Hoteit, Associate Professor, Earth Science and Engineering
The 2021 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology's Research Conference entitled
Enablng CO2 Geological Storage within a Low-Carbon Economy is sponsored by the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) and
coordinated by the KAUST Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC).
