Aramco, the Saudi Arabian Oil Company, has reached an agreement to acquire a 50% equity stake in Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases Company (BHIG), a subsidiary of Air Products Qudra (APQ). This move is part of Aramco's strategic initiative to diversify its energy solutions and venture into the lower-carbon hydrogen sector. With plans to establish a lower-carbon hydrogen network in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Aramco aims to cater to the needs of local and regional clients by focusing on capturing and storing carbon dioxide, aligning with its carbon capture and storage activities. The joint venture with APQ is expected to create the largest hydrogen network in the Middle East, benefitting industries such as refining, chemical, and petrochemical with a sustainable supply of lower-carbon hydrogen. The investment in BHIG reflects Aramco's ambition to expand its new energies portfolio and grow its presence in the lower-carbon hydrogen market. By leveraging its expertise in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen technologies, Aramco aims to contribute to the development of a marketplace for lower-carbon hydrogen, setting the stage for a more sustainable energy system. Moreover, the partnership aims to accelerate the hydrogen economy in the region, supporting the energy transition towards cleaner fuels. Aramco's strategic vision doesn't stop at hydrogen; the company recently announced contracts exceeding $25 billion for gas expansion projects. These initiatives include the second-phase development of the Jafurah gas field, the third-phase expansion of the Master Gas System, and the acquisition of new gas rigs. By targeting a significant increase in gas production sales by 2030 compared to 2021 levels, Aramco demonstrates its commitment to strategic growth and development in the gas sector, further solidifying its position as a key player in the energy industry.