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GlassPoint and MISA Take on Industrial Decarbonization in Saudi Arabia

In a significant step towards sustainability, GlassPoint, a leader in decarbonizing industrial process heat, has introduced the next phase of development for the GlassPoint Ma'aden Technology Showcase (GMTS). This initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) and aims at transforming the landscape of industrial energy consumption in one of the world's largest industrial sectors.

The GMTS is not just a showcase; it paves the way for the construction of the Ma'aden I project, set to be the largest industrial solar thermal facility globally, with a staggering investment of $1.5 billion. This project combines direct solar-to-heat technology with advanced thermal storage systems aimed at reducing carbon emissions within Ma'aden's aluminum supply chain.

To strengthen this transformative venture further, GlassPoint has enlisted Cox as its technical and delivery partner. Together, they will work on constructing the GMTS and various solar thermal projects around the world. Most importantly, they aim to build a cutting-edge concentrated solar power manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia that will produce essential renewable energy components.

H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating its significance in enhancing the Kingdom's position as a leader in concentrated solar power technology while boosting the national economy and creating a self-sufficient supply chain. The partnership is projected to yield not only a technological showcase but also contribute significantly to the Kingdom's broader economic objectives outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.

Bob Wilt, CEO of Ma'aden, emphasized that the technological advancements showcased through this initiative will play a pivotal role in meeting not only corporate sustainability goals but also national net-zero targets by 2060. As industries globally strive to integrate more sustainable practices, this showcase becomes a benchmark for large-scale decarbonization strategies while ensuring efficient operations.

Rod MacGregor, CEO of GlassPoint, elaborated on the anticipated positive implications of the partnership, indicating their commitment to transforming the industrial sector's energy practices. The project aims to decarbonize industrial heat significantly, with projections estimating that the GMTS alone will reduce carbon emissions by 600,000 tons annually—equivalent to removing nearly 130,000 cars off the roads.

One of the notable technologies utilized in this initiative includes GlassPoint's solar-to-heat technology. This innovative method generates industrial heat directly from sunlight, eliminating the need for intermediate electricity generation. The GMTS will feature reflective mirrors within a glasshouse that concentrate sunlight onto a heat-carrying liquid salt pipe, effectively capturing solar energy. Additionally, GlassPoint's Unify storage system employs advanced ternary liquid salts, ensuring a consistent heat supply for Ma'aden’s refinery.

Once fully operational, the GMTS will supply one percent of the steam required for the Ma'aden bauxite refinery, assisting in refining bauxite ore into alumina, a critical component in aluminum production. Moreover, the entire solar project is designed to provide up to 65 percent of the steam needs, fundamentally transforming the energy dynamics of industrial operations in the region.

This initiative also aligns perfectly with MISA's Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, aimed at diversifying supply chains and bolstering the economy while supporting the broader objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aspires to enhance the Kingdom’s environmental commitments.

GlassPoint’s factory, planned for construction in Saudi Arabia, is anticipated to generate over 200 green jobs, underscoring the project's capacity to contribute to the local economy by exporting renewable energy components across the GCC, North Africa, and Southern Europe. By reducing domestic gas dependency and the carbon footprint of difficult-to-abate industries, this partnership lays the groundwork for a sustainable industrial future in Saudi Arabia.

Overall, the collaboration between GlassPoint, MISA, and Cox represents a bold step into the future, promising to deliver significant advancements in decarbonizing industrial processes while positioning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a global leader in renewable energy solutions. As we move forward, this collaboration will serve as a model for innovations in sustainability and resource management in the industrial sector.