Aspen, Aramco partner up on CCU innovation

Saudi Aramco has partnered with US firm Aspen Technology on innovating software for the carbon capture utilisation (CCU) market, the partners said on December 13.

The solution is based on technology developed by Aramco and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). Aramco has licensed its technology out to AspenTech on optimising reductions in carbon emissions.

"It will aim to address the identification of the most promising carbon capture and utilisation paths by simultaneously considering economics, process design and operations constraints and CO₂ reduction," the companies said. "The goal of this innovation is to enable businesses to make evidence-based decisions in support of adopting carbon management strategies that optimise and accelerate sustainable operations."

According to Aramco, the algorithm it has developed "provides a visualised superstructure interface for users to intuitively develop case options and cost curves." This will help "make informed decisions on carbon strategies and ultimately to help meet sustainability targets."

"Our agreement with Aramco demonstrates the importance of technology innovators working together to address the biggest challenges in ensuring a sustainable future," Aspen's general manager for sustainability, Vikas Dhole, added. "The AspenTech solution ... will aim to help companies rapidly evaluate potential opportunities and new innovative solutions that mitigate carbon footprints while ensuring profitability."