New joint development agreement aims to cut costs, boost efficiency, and accelerate Saudi innovation in petrochemicals
Aramco, Honeywell, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a Joint Development Agreement to co-create next-generation Crude-to-Chemicals (CTC) technology, marking a strategic leap in Saudi Arabia’s downstream innovation.
The partnership will focus on developing and scaling a direct CTC process that converts crude oil into high-demand chemicals such as light olefins, bypassing traditional refining steps. The goal: reduce capital and operating costs while improving fuel efficiency, carbon utilization, and overall process economics.
“By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies, we aim to enhance energy efficiency and unlock increased value from every barrel of crude.”
—Dr. Ali A. Al-Meshari, Senior Vice President, Aramco
“This novel Crude-to-Chemicals process is aligned with our vision of supporting the global transition towards cleaner, high-performance chemical production,” said Dr. Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight & Coordination. “It demonstrates our focus on contributing to a vibrant ecosystem where innovation creates lasting value.”
The collaboration supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by advancing economic diversification and strengthening national research capabilities. It brings together Aramco’s industrial leadership, Honeywell UOP’s catalytic process expertise, and KAUST’s scientific research to accelerate technology readiness.
Rajesh Gattupalli, President of Honeywell UOP, called the agreement “a defining moment” in the global evolution of CTC technology. “We’re well positioned to drive this innovation forward, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and unlocking greater value from the Kingdom’s resources.”
KAUST’s role ensures that academic research remains tightly integrated with industrial application. Dr. Ian Campbell, Senior Vice President of KAUST’s National Transformation Institute, emphasized the importance of translating science into solutions: “This collaboration is a model for how academia and industry can jointly accelerate technology development in support of Saudi Arabia’s innovation-driven economy.”
The initiative reflects a broader push to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in advanced petrochemical technologies.
