Aramco, a global leader in energy and chemicals, has successfully completed the acquisition of a 50% equity stake in the Jubail-based Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases Company (BHIG) in partnership with Air Products Qudra (APQ). This collaboration brings together expertise from both companies with the objective of enhancing hydrogen production in Jubail Industrial City, including the large-scale supply of lower-carbon hydrogen.

BHIG is primarily focused on the production of hydrogen, particularly blue hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas through the application of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Blue hydrogen is a crucial component in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining energy efficiency, and BHIG's production is expected to align with Aramco’s broader CCS activities in Jubail. The commercial operations of BHIG will contribute to establishing a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, positioning the country as a key player in the global hydrogen economy.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ashraf Al Ghazzawi, Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development, emphasized that this investment will play a pivotal role in developing a robust hydrogen network in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. He highlighted that the integration of BHIG’s hydrogen production with Aramco’s CCS hub in Jubail will unlock new opportunities both domestically and internationally. This strategic move is expected to help lower carbon emissions, foster economic growth, and diversify the company’s energy portfolio to align with global sustainability trends.

Ahmed Hababou, Chairman of Air Products Qudra, underscored the significance of this joint venture, stating that the collaboration represents an important milestone in the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s hydrogen network. He noted that BHIG will provide hydrogen to industries such as refining, chemicals, and petrochemicals, strengthening the country’s industrial base and its ability to supply cleaner energy solutions.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mohammad Abunayyan, Vice-Chairman of Air Products Qudra, expressed confidence in the strategic partnership with Aramco. He described the joint venture as a testament to the shared commitment of both companies to advancing low-carbon energy solutions. Abunayyan further emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 sustainability objectives, which prioritize reducing carbon intensity, promoting economic diversification, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the hydrogen economy.

By combining Aramco’s expertise in energy production and carbon capture with Air Products Qudra’s experience in hydrogen supply and infrastructure development, the joint venture is expected to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a cleaner energy source. The collaboration reflects a broader global push toward decarbonization and supports Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a major exporter of low-carbon hydrogen.

With the completion of this acquisition, BHIG is well-positioned to scale up hydrogen production, support industrial decarbonization, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions in the region and beyond.