Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, and Air Products Qudra (APQ) announced that Aramco has completed the acquisition of a 50% equity interest in the Jubail-based Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases Company (BHIG). The agreement brings together experts in their respective fields with the aim of providing the Jubail Industrial City area with hydrogen, including lower-carbon hydrogen, at scale.

BHIG targets the production of hydrogen, including lower-carbon hydrogen from natural gas, also referred to as “blue hydrogen”, through the capture and storage of carbon dioxide. BHIG is expected to commence commercial operations to produce blue hydrogen in coordination with Aramco’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities in Jubail.

Ashraf Al Ghazzawi, Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development, highlighted the significance of this investment, stating it would foster the development of a hydrogen network in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. This network, combined with the carbon capture hub in Jubail, aims to seize emerging opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and diversify energy sources both locally and globally.

Ahmed Hababou, Chairman of Air Products Qudra, expressed that this joint venture exemplifies the commitment of both companies to developing a robust hydrogen network in the Eastern Province, catering to industries such as refining, chemical, and petrochemical.

Mohammad Abunayyan, Vice-Chairman of Air Products Qudra, emphasised the importance of the partnership with Aramco. He recognised the collaboration as a strategic effort to generate lower-carbon energy solutions, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.