World’s First Desert-Based CO₂ Capture Unit Launched in Riyadh
Climeworks has launched a direct air capture unit in Riyadh, the first to operate in a desert climate. The project tests the tech’s ability to function under extreme heat and dry conditions.
Saudi Arabia has started operating the world’s first direct air capture (DAC) unit designed to function in a desert climate. Developed by Swiss firm Climeworks, the technology is being tested at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh. This unit will evaluate how DAC performs in hot, dry conditions typical of the Gulf region, far from the colder climates where the company’s earlier plants were deployed.
The trial is focused on measuring performance factors such as thermal efficiency, material durability, and energy use under high heat. These insights will help determine if the technology can be scaled across other arid environments. The project is part of a feasibility study led by the Saudi Ministry of Energy, following a 2024 agreement between Climeworks and KAPSARC during the Saudi Green Initiative Forum.
Officials see the move as a step toward reducing emissions and building domestic expertise. Beyond testing performance, the trial will explore sourcing local materials and parts for future use. As Saudi Arabia aims to capture 44 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2035, this pilot will offer critical data on how DAC could contribute to that target in extreme climates.
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