Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) and GlassPoint have announced plans to construct a Technology Showcase for solar steam technology during the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This initiative marks the first step in developing the world's largest industrial solar thermal project. The showcase will initially have the capacity to supply nine tons of steam per hour, contributing to the decarbonization of Ma’aden’s aluminum supply chain.
The Technology Showcase will integrate direct heat generation and storage, providing a continuous base load of steam to Ma’aden’s Alumina refinery at Ras al Khair. With an initial capacity of about 1% of the larger project, the complete undertaking aims to save more than 12 million MMBTUs of energy annually and reduce carbon emissions by 600,000 tons per year.
Ma’aden's CEO, Robert Wilt, expressed the company's commitment to supporting the Kingdom's net-zero target by 2060. The Technology Showcase, in collaboration with GlassPoint, is a significant stride towards large-scale decarbonization, positioning Ma’aden as a sustainable industrial leader in alignment with climate goals.
GlassPoint's founder and CEO, Rod MacGregor, emphasized the urgency of scaling renewables and transitioning away from fossil fuels to combat climate change. He commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its leadership in decarbonization and climate goal fulfillment through the development of projects like the Technology Showcase.
Low-carbon aluminum is gaining prominence among industrial companies seeking to meet sustainability requirements, and policies like the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism further enhance the appeal of low-carbon aluminum. The Technology Showcase will incorporate advancements from GlassPoint, including the Unify storage system and lighter materials, reducing the cost of solutions by over 30% and contributing to the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy.
The announcement follows GlassPoint's commitment in October to partner with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia in establishing a solar manufacturing facility in the Eastern Province. This facility will serve as an export hub for clean energy projects in the region, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's dedication to advancing renewable energy initiatives.
