New Delhi: Saudi Aramco, Honeywell, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to co-develop a next-generation direct Crude-to-Chemicals (CTC) technology.
The collaboration will focus on developing and scaling up the CTC process aimed at reducing capital and operating costs of conversion. The new pathway is designed to convert crude oil directly into light olefins and other high-demand chemicals, enabling higher value extraction and improved process economics.
The partners said the initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by advancing economic diversification, building national research and technology capabilities, and strengthening the Kingdom’s petrochemicals industry.
“This collaboration with Honeywell UOP and KAUST furthers Aramco’s efforts to drive innovation and shape the future of petrochemicals,” said Ali A Al-Meshari, Senior Vice-President of Technology Oversight & Coordination, Aramco.
Honeywell UOP President Rajesh Gattupalli said the collaboration would enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions and unlock greater value from Saudi Arabia’s resources.
Ian Campbell, Senior Vice-President, National Transformation Institute at KAUST, said the partnership demonstrates how academia and industry can jointly accelerate technology development in support of Saudi Arabia’s innovation-driven economy.
The JDA brings together Aramco’s industrial expertise, Honeywell’s catalytic process design capabilities and KAUST’s research strengths to advance the CTC process from lab to commercial scale.
