Ensure access to affordable , reliable , sustainable and modern energy for all
7.1 EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Using ammonia to enable a hydrogen economy
Hydrogen is considered a key player for the decarbonization of our current energy system . However , issues related to distribution , storage and utilization need to be addressed . KAUST researchers from the Catalysis Center are developing technologies and roadmaps to provide solutions to the transportation of hydrogen and its utilization in the form of ammonia . In 2021 , the team has
published a comprehensive assessment on the use of ammonia has an efficient hydrogen carrier focusing on available technologies for ammonia synthesis , decomposition into COx-free hydrogen , and direct use of ammonia for power generation and transportation .
Ammonia-to-hydrogen pilot plant
Equipping engineers with PV knowledge
Since 2021 , the KAUST Solar Center ( KSC ) has partnered with Saudi Electric Services Polytechnic ( SESP ) to train in-Kingdom engineers . The
KSC-SESP PV Design Schools aim to train highly qualified personnel for the growing renewable energy sector . The course creates a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all photovoltaic ( PV ) systems , including : system components , site analysis , PV module criteria , mounting solutions , safety , and commissioning according to Saudi Arabia ’ s regulations .
In August 2022 , the collaboration was solidified by the signing of a
KAUST-SESP MoU , which ensures KSC will run continuous Photovoltaic Design and Installation Schools , in close collaboration with SESP and with support from KAUST Innovation . Being the first accredited solar vocational training program in Saudi Arabia , the format will enable
KSC to share its advanced research expertise on renewable energy and atomic technologies with the wider regional community . The School is expected to provide more than 100 upskilled workers for jobs in the next year , in line with the Kingdom ’ s pursuit to transition to clean and renewable energy sources .
KSC-SESP PV Design Schools
6
Schools ran to date
7.2 OPERATIONS
116
Participants
A pledge to reduce campus energy consumption
15 +
Fully Certified PV Designers
Students of the KSC-SESP PV Design School at the KAUST NEO outdoor testing site , and the signing ceremony of the KAUST-SESP MoU
During 2021 the Facilities Management Operations and Maintenance ( FM O & M ) team at KAUST
signed a pledge to reduce the energy consumption of the KAUST campus . The pledge aims at reducing the campus energy consumption and promoting the long-term sustainability of KAUST ’ s energy-intensive operations . Through the implementation of an Energy Management System , the team commits to a 10 % reduction of energy consumption as from baseline year 2015 benchmark , by 2025 or earlier .
Energy performance improvements in the design , operation , maintenance and modification of facilities and equipment will be continuously evaluated , as well as investing in energy efficiency for procurement processes . Moreover , all staff , members , customers and end users are encouraged to participate in innovative awareness campaigns and activities to encourage changes in behaviour and ideas for improvements .
18 | KAUST SDG HIGHLIGHT REPORT