Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Industrial Processes and Product Use Sector of Saudi Arabia—An Emerging Challenge

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been experiencing consistent growth in industrial processes and product use (IPPU). The IPPU’s emission has been following an increasing trend. This study investigated time-series and cross-sectional analyses of the IPPU sector. Petrochemical, iron and steel, and cement production are the leading source categories in the Kingdom. In recent years, aluminum, zinc, and titanium dioxide production industries were established. During the last ten years, a significant growth was observed in steel, ethylene, direct reduce iron (DRI), and cement production. The growth of this sector depends on many factors, including domestic and international demand, socioeconomic conditions, and the availability of feedstock. The emissions from IPPU without considering energy use was 78 million tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) in 2020, and the cement industry was the highest emitter (35.5%), followed by petrochemical (32.3%) and iron and steel industries (16.8%). A scenario-based projection analysis was performed to estimate the range of emissions for the years up to 2050. The results show that the total emissions could reach between 199 and 426 million tons of CO2eq in 2050. The Kingdom has started initiatives that mainly focus on climate change adaptation and economic divergence with mitigation co-benefits. In general, the focus of such initiatives is the energy sector. However, the timely accomplishment of the Saudi Vision 2030 and Saudi Green Initiative will affect mitigation scenarios significantly, including in the IPPU sector. The mitigation opportunities for this sector include (i) energy efficiency, (ii) emissions efficiency, (iii) material efficiency, (iv) the re-use of materials and recycling of products, (v) intensive and longer use of products, and (vi) demand management. The results of this study will support the Kingdom in developing an appropriate climate change mitigation roadmap.

Saudi Arabia’s Journey toward Net-Zero Emissions: Progress and Challenges

“…The CO 2 emissions from the petrochemical, fertilizer, and ammonia industries were 37.19 Mt of CO 2 eq, 21.31 Mt of CO 2 eq, and 11.48 Mt of CO 2 eq, respectively, in 2018 (refer to Figure 8). Rahman et al [52] indicated that the total emissions of CO 2 from the petrochemical industry were 25.19 Mt in 2020, representing direct emissions (scope 1). In addition, the year 2020 was an outlier due to the impact of COVID-19 on the industries.…”

“…In addition, the year 2020 was an outlier due to the impact of COVID-19 on the industries. Rahaman et al [52] calculated the emissions by applying the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories [5], where the protection of petrochemicals was multiplied by emission factors. This method provides a precise estimate with less uncertainty.…”

“…There are 17 cement manufacturers that have a capacity of over 71 Mt per year [52]. As for scope 1, the carbon emission factor for cement is 0.52 tons of CO 2 per ton of produced cement [52].…”

“…There are 17 cement manufacturers that have a capacity of over 71 Mt per year [52]. As for scope 1, the carbon emission factor for cement is 0.52 tons of CO 2 per ton of produced cement [52]. The direct emissions of the cement manufacturers when they operate at full capacity is 36.92 Mt of CO 2 eq.…”

“…The direct emissions of the cement manufacturers when they operate at full capacity is 36.92 Mt of CO 2 eq. Rahman et al [52] indicated that CO 2 emissions from the cement industry corresponding to scope 1 were 27.69 Mt in 2020.…”