Introduction
Climate change has created a new challenge for the world: reducing emissions is no longer enough. Even if countries rapidly transition to renewable energy, large amounts of carbon dioxide already released into the atmosphere will need to be removed.
A new generation of startups is focusing on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies that can capture carbon from the atmosphere and store it permanently. One such company, Sequest, aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global centre for durable carbon removal by using the Kingdom’s unique geography and industrial capabilities.
Why Saudi Arabia Is Becoming a Carbon Removal Destination
At first glance, Saudi Arabia’s desert landscape may not appear suitable for climate solutions. However, its vast land availability, geological formations and existing energy infrastructure create opportunities for large-scale carbon storage.
The country is already investing heavily in carbon management through initiatives such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), as part of its broader Circular Carbon Economy approach. Saudi Arabia has announced ambitions to develop significant carbon capture capacity and establish itself as a leader in carbon management technologies.
How Carbon Removal Technologies Work
Carbon removal technologies aim to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it for hundreds or thousands of years.
Solutions being explored globally include:
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): Using specialised machines to filter carbon dioxide directly from air.
- Enhanced rock weathering: Accelerating natural processes where minerals absorb carbon dioxide.
- Mineralisation: Converting carbon dioxide into stable carbon-based minerals.
- Bio-based solutions: Using plants, biomass and ecosystems to capture carbon.
The biggest challenge is not only capturing carbon but proving that it remains permanently stored through accurate measurement, reporting and verification.
From Oil Producer to Carbon Management Leader
Saudi Arabia’s move into carbon removal represents a significant shift in how energy economies think about the future. Instead of viewing climate action only as a reduction in fossil fuel use, the country is positioning itself as a potential provider of carbon management infrastructure.
The Kingdom’s investments in renewable energy, carbon capture and circular carbon economy initiatives support this transition. The Saudi Green Initiative also focuses on reducing emissions, expanding green cover and protecting ecosystems.
The Road Ahead: Scaling Carbon Removal
Carbon removal is still an emerging industry. Costs remain high, technologies require further improvement, and global standards for carbon credits are still developing.
However, as companies and governments look for solutions to achieve net-zero targets, durable carbon removal could become a major climate industry.
Saudi Arabia’s ambition highlights an important trend: the future of climate action may not only be about producing cleaner energy but also about developing technologies that actively repair the carbon balance of the planet.
References for further reading
- Al Arabiya English — Startup aims to turn Saudi Arabia into global hub for carbon removal
- Carbon Pulse — CDR startup bets on dry Saudi desert for durable carbon storage
- Global CCS Institute — Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to achieve ambitious CCS targets
- Saudi Green Initiative — Carbon reduction and sustainability targets
- National Academies of Sciences — A Research Strategy for Ocean-based Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sequestration
- IPCC — Reports on Carbon Dioxide Removal and climate mitigation pathways
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