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Toward Net-Zero: How Saudi Arabia Plans to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2060

posted on: Apr 23, 2025

Saudi Arabian Oil Plant. Source: Pexels

By: Jack Moran / Arab America Contributing Writer

Saudi Arabia, historically known as one of the world’s leading oil producers, has charted a new and ambitious course toward environmental sustainability by pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. This announcement, made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, is part of a broader initiative known as the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI). While this goal may appear contradictory for a nation whose economy has long depended on fossil fuels, it signals a major shift in strategy and a commitment to combating climate change on both a national and global scale.

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s climate action plan lies a multipronged approach centered around expanding renewable energy, deploying advanced carbon capture and storage technologies, restoring natural ecosystems, and embracing the principles of a circular carbon economy. Each component of this strategy aims to address the kingdom’s environmental impact without undermining its economic stability.

One of the most transformative aspects of Saudi Arabia’s plan is its investment in renewable energy. The country has set a target to produce 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This includes a significant expansion of solar and wind energy infrastructure, fueled by technological advancements and falling costs of solar photovoltaics. The reduction of energy subsidies has further incentivized businesses and industries to adopt cleaner energy sources, resulting in a growing shift towards sustainable power solutions across various sectors.

In addition to renewables, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies represent a crucial pillar of the country’s emissions reduction efforts. Given Saudi Arabia’s deep entrenchment in the oil and gas industries, CCS provides a means to reduce emissions without immediately dismantling core elements of the national economy. Saudi Aramco, in collaboration with international partners, has announced a landmark CCS project in Jubail Industrial City. This project aims to capture up to 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually by 2027, positioning it among the world’s largest initiatives of its kind.

Equally significant is the kingdom’s commitment to afforestation and land restoration. By planting 450 million trees and rehabilitating vast tracts of degraded land, Saudi Arabia seeks to naturally absorb millions of tons of carbon emissions while also restoring biodiversity. These efforts are anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 200 million tons, contributing meaningfully to the SGI’s broader environmental goals.

Another distinctive aspect of Saudi Arabia’s approach is its promotion of the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE), a model based on the principles of reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions. This framework is particularly suited to oil-producing economies, offering a flexible yet structured means of transitioning to cleaner operations. The CCE allows Saudi Arabia to continue leveraging its existing industrial base while integrating cleaner technologies and practices.

Despite these promising initiatives, Saudi Arabia’s climate commitments are not without criticism. The country has yet to release a detailed roadmap or legal framework outlining how it will meet its net-zero target. Environmental watchdogs have expressed concern over the lack of transparency and accountability mechanisms. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investments to expand oil production — aiming to reach 13.5 million barrels per day by 2027 — appear to contradict the spirit of its environmental pledges. This dual-track policy raises questions about the kingdom’s genuine commitment to phasing out carbon-intensive practices.

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