AIR Products’ goal in establishing a world-class technology center in the Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) Science Park was for it to serve as the cornerstone for industrial gas technology and project development in Saudi Arabia. In November, Air Products took a major step toward that goal as it hosted its first Industrial Gases Technology Symposium at DTV and drew large participation from industry and academia focused on collaboration. The technical event again demonstrated Air Products’ continued commitment to Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision and the Middle East region.

During his keynote address, Dr. Samir Serhan, executive vice president, at Air Products shared the company’s vision for its Technology Center in Saudi Arabia and emphasized the need for the collaboration of multinationals – like Air Products – with Saudi companies and universities. “Technology innovation is at the heart of what Air Products does. By establishing our technology center within the DTV and laying the foundation for sharing technology expertise locally through symposiums such as this, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to advancing industrial gases opportunities in the Kingdom,” he said.

The Symposium received an excellent response with over 200 participants from industry and academia. With the changing world needs for energy and with growing environmental concerns, the two-day Symposium focused on the role of industrial gases in addressing these issues. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an ambitious country with talented, capable and hard-working people who pursue excellence and innovation focused on the 2030 vision. These are values we share at Air Products, and which is why we are excited to create and support innovative technological and industrial gas opportunities that will develop local people, support the Kingdom and its future,” added Naji Skaf, president, Middle East.

The event provided an opportunity for the participants to gain an understanding of the industrial gases business from Air Products’ global team of experienced and knowledgeable speakers, allowing insightful debate and networking opportunities. The event has also enabled active discussion to create the environment for the development of further research and development collaboration opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

The use of industrial gases is becoming increasingly pivotal in the future of the chemical, and energy industries, especially in Saudi Arabia. The Industrial Gases Technology Symposium provided insight into the current trends and latest technologies in the production, use, and storage of hydrogen, synthesis gas, helium, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The Symposium offered a unique experience in the region with a rich and wide-ranging agenda featuring presentations from Air Products, Saudi Aramco, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Experts from these organizations presented on technology issues and challenges, such as carbon capture, hydrogen as a fuel, as well as mega-gasification projects. — SG