The event was conducted in support of the Saudi Aramco Research and Development Center’s (R&DC) efforts to find innovative ways to reduce CO2 emissions from the transportation sector as well as convert captured CO2 into valuable materials.

The symposium drew more than 100 participants representing large and small energy companies, promising startups, well-established universities, and other groups. Saudi Aramco’s Downstream and Strategic R&D program director Dr. Faisal M. Al-Faqeer and ASC’s Technical Services manager Majid Alghaslan gave opening presentations and were followed by three keynote speakers who addressed CO2 challenges and management strategies.

Al-Faqeer talked about Saudi Aramco’s research, including carbon management. He noted the company is particularly interested in finding innovative ways to reduce CO2 emissions from mobile sources since the transportation sector is a major contributor to overall CO2 emissions. He also discussed technical challenges being faced by the transportation sector, which must reduce CO2 emissions in compliance with upcoming worldwide regulations.

Alghaslan provided an overview of Saudi Aramco’s operations, including its commitment to operational efficiency, safety and environmental protection. He also provided insight into the high level of strategic value Saudi Aramco places on R&D.

Serving as keynote speakers were Dr. Andrei Fedorov from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Dr. Ahmed Ghoniem from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Dr. Lee Schipper from Stanford University. All are notable leaders in the field of carbon management and applied technologies, each having received numerous awards for their academic and scientific work. Schipper received a share of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his work on two Intergovernmental Panels on Climate Change.

The symposium’s packed agenda included more than 40 technical presentations, 30 one-on-one meetings about possible technology collaboration, and valuable networking opportunities.

“We were extremely pleased with this symposium and impressed with the percentage of high-caliber professionals who came together to share their insights and ideas,” said Al-Faqeer. “The R&DC group is now progressing to the next stage to further analyze a number of the most promising proposals for possible collaboration. We look forward to the exciting possibilities ahead.”

Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the symposium, with several saying that they were impressed with Saudi Aramco’s commitment to collaborate on environmental protection technologies.

“The success of this symposium further strengthens the enterprise’s ongoing programs to advance key issues through crucial knowledge sharing,” said ASC president and CEO Ali A. Abuali. “ASC looks forward to working with Saudi Aramco R&DC to conduct similar events in the future.”

(Article by Judi Ottmann)