Dr. Munir Eldesouki, President of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, emphasizing the Kingdom’s national innovation strategy to expand clean energy solutions and invest in deep technologies that could contribute up to 40% of future emissions reduction.
Eldesouki made the remarks during a panel session titled “The Road to Sustainability: Toward a Carbon-Free Society” at the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum held in Kyoto, Japan. The session was attended by Emperor Naruhito of Japan, Prime Minister and Honorary Chairman Shigeru Ishiba, senior officials, industry leaders, and representatives of international organizations.
Highlighting the Kingdom’s comprehensive approach, Eldesouki said Saudi Arabia has adopted the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) framework to meet its Vision 2030 goals.
“The Kingdom strives to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 through pioneering initiatives that include reducing 278 million tons of carbon emissions annually, planting 10 billion trees under the Saudi Green Initiative, capturing 44 million tons of carbon dioxide each year by 2035, and achieving a 50% clean energy mix by 2030,” he stated.
Eldesouki also underscored Saudi Arabia’s advancements in renewable energy and innovation, citing projects such as the Carbon Capture Center at Aramco, large-scale battery storage systems in Bisha, and green hydrogen and ammonia facilities in NEOM. These initiatives, he said, strengthen energy security and enhance industrial competitiveness.
He further highlighted Saudi Arabia’s international collaborations, including partnerships with the University of California, Berkeley in clean energy, water desalination, and carbon capture research. The Kingdom has also implemented AI-powered monitoring systems during Hajj to enhance real-time decision-making and operational efficiency.
As the Kingdom’s national laboratory, KACST plays a central role in driving research and development across sustainability sectors. Eldesouki noted that current research programs focus on converting carbon waste into hydrogen fuel, extracting water from desert environments, and enhancing solar panel efficiency in harsh climates.
He added that Saudi Arabia is also adopting cutting-edge technologies in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and satellite monitoring to track desertification, emissions, and water management, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in science-driven sustainability innovation.
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