Axens site expansion to boost TGT catalyst production in Kingdom

The expansion enhances local production in line with Vision 2030 and iktva goals while reducing environmental impact and strengthening regional sustainable energy solutions, Abdulkareem AlYami and Quentin Debuisschert tell OGN

- BY ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

AXENS Catalyst Arabia Limited (ACAL) has marked a significant milestone with the expansion of its site in Dammam, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for advanced sulphur recovery solutions.

The facility now manufactures industry-leading tail gas treatment (TGT) catalysts, enabling refiners to achieve up to 99 per cent sulphur recovery while lowering energy use and reducing carbon footprints across operations.

Aligned with Vision 2030, the ACAL expansion underscores the company's commitment to sustainability, localisation, and innovation, bolstering economic diversification while strengthening Axens' role as a trusted partner in the Middle East's energy transition, Abdulkareem Al-Yami, Managing Director and Sales Director Middle East (GAS) Axens, and Quentin Debuisschert, Chairman and CEO Axens, tell OGN energy magazine.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

Can you elaborate on the production of TGT catalysts at the newly expanded ACAL site in Dammam, and how these help achieve sulphur recovery?

Al-Yami: In its efforts to support customers in achieving 99 per cent sulphur recovery, Axens has developed an industry leading catalyst.

The tail gas treatment (TGT) catalyst utilises Cobalt-Moly as its active phase, an effective agent in converting SO2 to H2S, which can then be recycled to the sulphur recovery unit.

Axens Catalyst Arabia Limited (ACAL) leverages the most advanced technologies that ensure a high rate of production coupled with world-class quality control and assurance facilities.

How do TGT catalysts impact energy consumption and capex?

Al-Yami: A feature of the TGT catalyst manufactured in ACAL is that it requires a substantially lower temperature to operate in the TGT unit.

This means that it requires less energy and thereby reduces energy demand, further contributing to a lower carbon footprint.