DHAHRAN
DHAHRAN
In-situ CO2 mineralization offers significant potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) through technical innovations and process enhancements. Dr. Zeyad Ahmed discusses the technical advantages, limitations, and cost-effective engineering requirements for CCS, highlighting innovations for process improvement. Dr. Serguey Arkadakskiy explores the geotechnical and geoscience aspects, including pilot testing and the successful implementation of CO2 sequestration in Iceland and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Jakub Fedorik emphasizes the importance of structural geology, focusing on fault and fracture systems, and utilizing geological and geophysical datasets to identify optimal areas for CO2 mineralization and storage.
In-Situ Mineralization technology
Geotechnical/geoscience
Structural Geology
a. Dr. Zeyad Ahmed is an Environmental Process Engineering Consultant at Saudi Aramco’s Environmental Protection Department, with 30 years of combined industrial and academic experience. Prior to joining Aramco in 2014, he held the position of Research Professor and Faculty member at Michigan Technological University, and previously worked as an Environmental Engineering Consultant. His expertise lies in mass transfer operations, with a focus on applications in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and water technologies.Over the past five years, Dr. Ahmed has played a key role as part of the core team leading the process engineering aspects of Saudi Aramco’s CO2 In-situ Mineralization Pilot Testing project in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. During this tenure, he has driven the development of numerous technology advancements and process enhancement innovations.
b. Dr. Serguey Arkadakskiy is an Environmental Specialist with the Environmental Protection (EP) organization of Saudi Aramco. He is the technical leader of a team of Saudi Aramco experts and consultants tasked with evaluating the feasibility of sequestering CO2 by mineral carbonation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Before joining Saudi Aramco, Dr. Arkadakskiy was the VP Research at Isobrine Solution Inc., a O&G consulting company in Canada. He was also an exploration geologist with Anglo American Plc. Dr. Arkadakskiy has a PhD in geochemistry from the University of Alberta, and BSc and MSc in geology & geochemistry from the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski“.
c. Dr. Jakub Fedorik is a structural geologist currently affiliated with Saudi Aramco. He has a PhD in structural geology and active strike-slip tectonics and has contributed to numerous publications in his field. His research encompasses various aspects of geology, including tectonics, structural geology, field geology, petroleum geology, sedimentary basins, carbon sequestration, and petroleum exploration. Notably, he has conducted studies on the mineral carbonation potential of the Jizan Group basalts and the structural and fracture characterization of these formations, which have implications for subsurface CO₂ basalt mineralization. During his time at KAUST, Fedorik published several studies related to tectonic evolution of the Dead Sea Transform and the Red Sea.
Dr. Hussain Hoteit is a Professor of Earth Science and Engineering and the Program Chair of Earth Systems Science and Engineering (ESSE) at KAUST in Saudi Arabia. With over 20 years of experience in academia and industry, he specializes in subsurface energy and environmental systems, with a particular focus on carbon sequestration, underground hydrogen storage, and fluid-rock interactions in geological formations. Prof. Hoteit has authored over 100 publications on these topics and has active engagement in global climate initiatives includes participation in the IPCC CDR Expert Meetings, Mission Innovation: CDR program, and is a committee member of Saudi Arabia Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) National Program.
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a key technology for reducing emissions from industrial facilities and removing CO2 already in the atmosphere. It can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors and contribute to global carbon balance through methods like direct air capture (DAC) and bioenergy with CCS (BECCS). Additionally, captured CO2 can be recycled into products, enabling a circular carbon economy. As countries set ambitious climate goals, CCUS deployment must accelerate. Traditional full-value chain business models have led to 50 commercial projects, but a significant gap remains to meet net-zero targets. To scale CCUS, strong public-private partnerships are needed, with novel models like CCUS hubs that share CO2 transport and storage infrastructure. This approach reduces costs, risks, and enables more emitters to participate. The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) has played a key role in developing these hubs and supporting their growth with tools and policy guides. The oil and gas industry’s expertise in subsurface dynamics is critical for scaling CCS.
The basis of CCUS and how it fits into the climate toolkit,
CCUS business models,
CCUS hubs focusing on OGCI projects,
CCUS hub case study: CCUS deployment challenges and opportunities for the GCC
The CCUS hub platform
a. Dr. Tidjani Niass is a Senior Strategy and Market Consultant at Saudi Aramco with over 25 years of experience in technology and policy. He led the Mission Innovation Carbon Capture Challenge, advancing global CCUS innovation and fostering international collaboration. Dr. Niass has contributed to key publications, including the IEA 2020 Energy Technology Perspectives and reports on CCUS. He joined Saudi Aramco in 2008, holding senior roles like Carbon Management Chief Technologist, and has expanded its research network. He also leads Saudi Aramco’s work in the OGCI CCUS work-stream. Before Aramco, Dr. Niass headed the Chemical Engineering Department at the French Petroleum Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering.
The role of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in climate policy is critical for achieving global decarbonization goals. This discussion will cover key drivers for CCUS, including climate policy, energy transition, and industrial decarbonization. The focus will be on global policy and regulations across regions such as the EU, US, Canada, Australia, China, and the Middle East/GCC, as well as regulatory considerations for large-scale deployment, including liability, MRV, site selection, and post-closure management. Financial incentives, such as tax credits, subsidies, and carbon pricing mechanisms, will be explored. Socio-economic factors, including public acceptance and engagement, will also be addressed. The session will include lessons learned from successful CCUS policy models and past regulatory obstacles, with a focus on building an effective policy roadmap for CCUS and identifying next policy priorities.
Introduction to CCUS and its role in climate policy
Key drivers for CCUS: climate policy, energy transition, and industrial decarbonization
Global policies and regulations: EU, US, Canada, Australia, China, Middle East/GCC
Financial incentives and regulatory considerations for wide-scale CCUS deployment
Lessons learned from successful CCUS policy models and regulatory challenges
Building an effective policy roadmap for CCUS and next priorities for policy development
Key takeaways and Q&A
a. Dr. Nasser Odeh is a technical leader in industrial decarbonisation, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and carbon dioxide removals (CDRs). He is currently a Principal Fellow at KAPSARC leading research on the techno-economic and life cycle analysis of CCUS and CDRs. Naser has extensive international experience advising public and private sectors on effective decarbonisation strategies and CCUS policy.
This workshop will delve into the multifaceted business case for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. The session will begin by outlining the cost and revenue structure across the CCUS value chain, highlighting the current gaps in project financeability and the need for targeted business case support. The workshop will then explore various funding models employed globally, using case studies from the US, UK, and Europe to demonstrate diverse approaches to project financeability through direct funding, risk mitigation, and emissions reduction mandates. The session will conclude by examining key commercial risks associated with CCUS projects across the value chain and discussing mitigation strategies, including contractual frameworks, risk sharing mechanisms, and innovative financing solutions. The workshop aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape surrounding CCUS, fostering informed discussions on the challenges and opportunities for its successful deployment.
Outline business case for CCUS
Funding models that support the business
Financeability challenges and the commercial mitigations to address them
a. Andrew White is a deal strategy specialist with 10 years experience in the energy sector, combining a background in policy and regulation with a detailed understanding of the energy market. Andrew works with large energy majors, advising on Energy Transition strategy – supporting his clients to develop their business strategy for participating in new markets, and supporting them to execute their plans through transactions. He has significant experience and a strong track-record supporting clients in applications for UK Government revenue support schemes – in particular in relation to the CCUS Cluster Sequencing Process and Hydrogen business models. Andrew joined KPMG’s ENR practice in 2018. Before that, Andrew was at the sector regulator (Ofgem) for 5 years, where he led development of policy on many aspects of the energy sector.
b. Wafa Jafri is a Partner and UK lead of Energy and Natural Resources Strategy at KPMG. Since joining KPMG she has worked with most of the major energy companies and a variety of global manufacturing companies advising on creating and executing energy transition plans. She advises global clients on strategy, partnerships and deals in the energy transition space. Given her passion for energy transition and delivering net-zero, she is on the Board for Aldersgate Group – an organisation championing a competitive and environmentally sustainable economy. Prior to joining KPMG she worked for Department of Energy and Climate Change providing advice to the Secretary of State for Energy, Ministers and Senior officials at HMG on energy policy and at RWE where she worked in Corporate Strategy team for the generation business across Europe.
c. Edward Meier joined KPMG in 2021 and since then has advised clients, including leading utilities and O&G supermajors, on Energy Transition strategy and deals, with a focus on carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen. Prior to working for KPMG, Ed worked in the Trading team at Drax, a leading UK renewable generator and Bioenergy CCS developer, where he developed in-depth knowledge of energy commodity markets and commercially optimised a fleet of biomass, gas, coal, pumped storage and hydro assets.
This workshop will provide insights into the planning, design, and operation of full-chain Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) systems, focusing on the emergence of CCS hubs, CO2 specification, and the role of digital solutions in improving CCS project performance. It will address key technical challenges such as CO2 behavior, health and safety, subsurface uncertainty, and material selection for abnormal operations. Additionally, a Joint Industry Project (JIP) led by Wood will be presented, outlining guidelines for setting CO2 specifications to ensure effective and economic CCS chains. The workshop will also cover the importance of active measurement and control for fluid specification management, with a focus on digital twin technology for real-time monitoring and system optimization. This session aims to equip participants with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of designing and managing large-scale CCS projects.
Introduction to CCUS System Planning and Operation
Emergence of CCS Hubs
CO2 Specification for Scaling CCS
Technical Design and Operational Challenges
CO2 Specification Joint Industrial Project (JIP)
Active Measurement and Control in CCS
Digitally Enabled CCS
Q&A and Discussion
a. Dr Hooman Haghighi is a prominent industry leader in engineering and decarbonisation solutions, highly experienced in providing consultancy services across the energy and materials markets.Based in the UK, Hooman is the first or co-author of over 40 refereed journals, publications, and industry guidelines, primarily concerning hydrogen, carbon capture, and storage (CCS) – two of the world’s fastest-growing energy transition solutions. Hooman has a PhD in petroleum engineering and has been involved in multiple major CCS and decarbonisation projects worldwide. Hooman is now responsible for the definition and application of digital solutions in the decarbonisation and energy transition space, identifying opportunities for clients in the race to achieve net zero.
Explore how digital technologies, including cloud and artificial intelligence (AI), are revolutionizing Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) initiatives. The class covers the integration of new science, cloud, AI, and automation in optimizing CCUS processes, showcasing real-world applications and case studies. Examples range from the uncertainty analysis of injection and plume migration, to the use of AI for legacy well integrity and digital twins for capture facility. Gain insights into the role of digital solutions in connecting all the components of the CCUS value chain and integrating planning workflows with real-time storage/performance monitoring (MMV), and operating efficiency in CCUS facilities and pipelines.
Sustainability and the role of CCUS in decarbonization
Digital innovation across the CCUS value chain
CO2 capture and transport modeling
Carbon storage screening workflows for CCS
Storage modeling – from evaluation to injection
Monitoring and MMV
Case studies and lessons learned
a. Saad Kisra, Head of Products for Digital CCUS and Geothermal at SLB, is a technology leader with over 20 years in the energy industry. He leads SLB’s digital portfolio for low-carbon technologies, including CCUS, hydrogen, and geothermal.
He started as an R&D engineer at SLB in 2001 and has held global leadership roles in acoustics, geomechanics, and process engineering. Saad holds degrees in electronics and electrical engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology, along with advanced studies in oil & gas management and renewable energy.
b. Amir Hermes is the New Energy Business Development Manager at SLB, based in Houston, Texas. He has held various roles, including Product Line Manager for SLB’s North America Offshore geounit.
Amir joined Schlumberger in 2003 in France and has since worked internationally in roles spanning engineering, operations, sales, and marketing. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School, a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Ecole Centrale Paris, and a Master’s in Energy Industry Management from Heriot Watt University.
c. Richard Salter is a Reservoir Geologist with 30 years of industry experience who specializes in project management of rapid turnaround multi-disciplinary integration projects. He has also worked in seismic reservoir characterization studies and integration of geophysical and geological data with engineering data for many years. He is currently the Head of Site Characterization for CCS storage projects in Schlumberger New Energy (SNE). Primary focus for the team he leads includes site screening, site characterization, MMV planning and project delivery for CCS projects. Previously as a Director in Schlumberger’s Global Unconventional team from 2012-2018 he developed a Rapid Resource Assessment (RRA) workflow for international emerging unconventional plays with numerous successful projects delivered in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, China and South America. Richard has a B.Sc in Geology from the University of Durham in England as well as an M.Sc (w/distinction) in Petroleum Geology from Imperial College, London. Richard is located in SLB’s San Felipe office, Houston, USA.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a key technology for mitigating CO₂ emissions, but its large-scale deployment requires a holistic understanding of its supply chain and economic feasibility. This session examines the techno-economic dynamics of CCS, focusing on the cost structures, logistical complexities, and infrastructure requirements that define its viability. This Master Class presents a comprehensive assessment framework for evaluating CCS projects across the entire supply chain—from capture at emission sources to transportation via pipelines and secure geological storage. The methodological approach includes spatial analysis for identifying emission clusters, source-sink matching for cost optimization, and advanced techno-economic modeling to assess overall project feasibility. Key factors covered include spatial emission quantification, geological storage potential, pipeline least-cost routing, and infrastructure planning. A real-world case study will demonstrate how this framework can be applied to assess CCS deployment in a specific region, offering insights into economic challenges, technical trade-offs, and cost-efficient implementation strategies. Additionally, the session explores how this framework can inform the development of a Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) for CCS, helping decision-makers prioritize projects and shape policy strategies. The discussion will conclude by highlighting the role of supportive policies, economic incentives, and innovations in low-cost capture technologies in accelerating CCS Adoption.
a. Dr. Feras Al Rowaihi is a Lead Petroleum Engineer at Saudi Aramco with extensive leadership experience in reservoir management and technical studies, driving innovation in field development, reservoir evaluation, and carbon management. As an energy transition and decarbonization expert, he specializes in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, leveraging his expertise to develop cost-effective solutions for large-scale emissions reduction. His PhD research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) focused on assessing CO₂ emissions, storage potential, and cost structures to support the decarbonization of Saudi Arabia’s industrial sectors. With seven granted patents and multiple peer-reviewed publications, he has demonstrated technical excellence and contributed to advancing CCS deployment strategies. His work continues to shape policy, technology, and operational strategy, influencing global efforts in carbon management and sustainable energy solutions.
a. Dr. Vinay Mulgundmath is an Engineering Specialist at Saudi Aramco’s New Energies Engineering Division. Previously, he was Chief Technologist at the Oil & Gas Technology Centre in Scotland. Vinay has served on the Board of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Energy Advisory Board and is an advisor to Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage, Scotland’s Hydrogen Accelerator, and the University of Aberdeen’s Directorate of Research & Innovation. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and an MSc in Process Engineering. Vinay is also a guest professor and expert in clean energy and environmental sustainability.
b. Wajdi Sadat
This program will explore the essential aspects of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), focusing on global policies and regulatory frameworks that incentivize CCUS initiatives. It will begin with an overview of CCUS and its importance in climate change mitigation, followed by a discussion of the global policy landscape, highlighting key differences between U.S. and international approaches. The session will cover sequestration infrastructure, including regulatory frameworks during construction, operations, and post-operation phases, as well as site selection, permitting processes, and challenges. Post-closure obligations will be explored, focusing on long-term monitoring, liability transfer, and financial guarantees. Financial incentives, such as tax credits, grants, and market-based instruments, will be reviewed, along with case studies of successful financial frameworks. The program will conclude by summarizing key points and discussing future trends in CCUS development. Interactive workshops, Q&A sessions, and discussions will allow participants to engage with instructors and explore legal and regulatory concepts in depth.
Introduction
Sequestration Infrastructure: Permitting and Operations
Post-closure Obligations
Financial Incentives
Conclusion
a.Jean Philippe Brisson is a lawyer ranked globally who advises oil and gas, power, industrial, and financial institution clients on a wide range of energy and environmental matters, including carbon capture and sequestration and carbon neutrality. JP is one of the most experienced attorneys in the energy transition area, having started his career in this area in 1998 at the World Bank. JP is ranked Band 1 in Chambers Global and Chambers USA, and he is recognized in The Legal 500 US and Who’s Who Legal. JP was previously Vice President in Goldman Sachs’ Global Commodities business where he established Goldman’s US carbon trading desk. JP worked on his first carbon capture and sequestration transaction in 2007. Over the past five years, JP has advised clients, including several major oil and gas companies, on more than 70 CCS projects located in North America, Europe and the Middle East. He is a frequent speaker on CCS policy, regulatory and contractual issues at industry conferences around the world, including at the annual UN climate conferences. JP is a trustee of Boys Hope Girls Hope New York.
The Master Class will focus on key commercial, economic, and financial aspects of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). The session will begin with a presentation covering the cost components of the CCUS value chain, including capture, transport, storage, and utilization in various industries. It will explore regulatory frameworks, business model options, and economic analysis, with a focus on Saudi Arabia’s context. The presentation will also address financing opportunities and risk management. In the second part of the session, participants will engage in a workshop where they will work on a case study to design a sustainable and value-creating CCUS value chain, applying the concepts discussed. The session aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the economic and commercial challenges involved in CCUS projects, alongside practical experience in applying these principles.
Introduction to CCUS and its Value Chain
Regulatory Framework for Successful CCUS Implementation
Business Model Options & Economic Analysis
Financing Opportunities
Workshop (1.5 h)
Summary and Closing Remarks
a. Dr. Klaus Langemann is a Senior Executive with over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, specializing in CCUS and hydrogen. He has held leadership roles at Wintershall Dea, where he led the Carbon Management & Hydrogen organization and secured multiple CO2 storage licenses. Klaus is also a lecturer at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and Managing Director of his consultancy. He holds a B.Sc. in Data Science & Business Analytics, a PhD in Chemistry, and a Diploma in Chemistry. His expertise includes technology innovation, business development, and digitalization.
This 180-minute session on project management in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects will explore the complexities of managing CCUS initiatives. The session will begin with a safety moment, followed by an overview of global and regional CCS perspectives, with a focus on industrial cluster definitions and key locations in Saudi Arabia. Participants will delve into the challenges of managing CCUS projects, followed by a case study on typical industrial cluster schematics and gas phase gathering pipelines. The session will also cover common challenges in CCS projects, along with lessons learned from real-world examples. After a series of breaks and discussions, the session will conclude with a Q&A segment to address further questions and provide additional insights.
Safety Moment
Global & Regional CCS Perspective
Industrial Cluster Definition & KSA Locations
Complexities in Managing CCUS Projects
Case Study: Typical Industrial Cluster Schematics / Gas Phase Gathering Pipeline
Challenges- CCS Projects & examples and Lessons Learned
Q&A/ Discussion
a. Dr. Mathew Aneke is a skilled professional with over 20 years of experience in academia, research, and industry, specializing in CCUS, Waste to Energy, Low Carbon Technologies, Hydrogen, Bioenergy, Energy Storage, and Energy Transition. He holds a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, a master’s in Process Systems Engineering, and a PhD in Process and Energy Systems Engineering. Mathew is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, a Chartered Engineer, and the Chairman of the Industry Advisory Board at Newcastle University. He has published numerous articles and received the 2019 NLNG Prize for Science for his CCUS work and several awards for his Energy Storage research. He is a member of multiple international engineering bodies.
b. Suhail Diaz is an energy professional with 25 years of experience in oil & gas, decarbonization, sustainability, and new energies across Latin America, the North Sea, and the Middle East. She holds an MBA, MSc in Petroleum Production Engineering, and a BSc in Chemical Engineering, along with various certifications in energy transition. Suhail has held leadership roles in SPE committees, including Chair of the Gaia and Sustainability communities and leader of a MENA Hydrogen Working Group. She has contributed to publications, events, and mentorship. Currently, Suhail is the Director of Future Energy at Wood in Abu Dhabi, where she leads a team to support customers’ decarbonization goals. The establishment of the Energy Transition Hub in the Middle East marks a significant career milestone.
