Johnson Matthey supports Saudi carbon neutrality goals with low-carbon solutions: Exec

Maurits van Tol, CEO Catalyst Technologies at Johnson Matthey

Maurits van Tol, CEO Catalyst Technologies at Johnson Matthey, stated that the company's role in establishing technologies, producing low-carbon hydrogen, and providing low-carbon solutions supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and carbon neutrality goals for 2060.

In an interview with Argaam, he highlighted the Kingdom's abundant solar energy and projects like NEOM, emphasizing the significant potential for generating renewable energy through technologies that produce low-carbon gases.

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He explained that the company reforms blue and green hydrogen and captures carbon dioxide emissions, thereby, reducing harmful emissions and producing low carbon. The company is developing electrolytic elements for sustainable green ammonia production in NEOM, prioritizing renewable energy and phosphate projects in the Kingdom.

Maurits noted the Kingdom's history in the oil sector, emphasizing that renewable energies require high standards and facilities. This benefits the company as many players work towards goals by reforming blue ammonia, blue hydrogen, and other low-carbon gases.

He mentioned the company's long history in the Kingdom, serving clients for over 35 years. Its specialties include engineering, catalyst development, and converting raw materials into chemicals, fuels, and desired molecules using diverse technical solutions.

He added that the company operates in the Gulf, including Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, and has opened an office in Riyadh. Recruitment is ongoing for positions in Riyadh to be closer to clients, serve them, and work with the Ministry of Energy and the government as part of expansion plans.

He explained that the company uses low-carbon hydrogen technologies through water electrolysis and hydrogen, forming blue hydrogen by reforming natural gas and capturing carbon dioxide emissions, which can be stored underground or used in chemical products.

He pointed out that blue hydrogen is challenging to ship as it requires low temperatures and high pressure, but it can be converted to methanol or blue ammonia, which are easier to ship globally and used in chemicals or fertilizers.