Saudi Arabia aligning with goals for sustainability and diversification with new agreement

IASP member King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has entered into an agreement with Saudi Aramco to establish the Energy Applications Consortium for Nonmetallics and Composites (ENERCOMP). This five-year technology consortium represents a significant investment in research and development (R&D) focused on advancing the performance and integrity management of nonmetallics and composites in energy applications.

ENERCOMP will encourage other players in the energy sector to join the consortium and leverage KAUST's research capabilities in engineering solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and material science.

Prof. Gilles Lubineau, Director of ENERCOMP and KAUST Professor of Mechanical Engineering, emphasized the partnership's significance for building a connection between KAUST and energy sector leaders. He stated, "We will establish a specialized team at KAUST to support engineering applications of nonmetallics and composites across the full energy value chain. By supporting the Kingdom’s nonmetallic and composite agenda, ENERCOMP will deliver innovative solutions needed for a sustainable future."

ENERCOMP's focus on integrating smart sensors and AI solutions into composite materials reflects an approach to deploy smart technologies in the energy industry. This union signifies a collaborative effort towards achieving sustainable and innovative solutions that contribute to the country's leadership in the energy and materials transitions.