Aramco has taken a strategic step in expanding its new energies portfolio by signing definitive agreements to acquire an equity interest in the Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases Co. (BHIG) in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. This move, subject to closing conditions, includes options for Aramco to offtake hydrogen and nitrogen, with the aim of developing a lower-carbon hydrogen network in the Kingdom's Eastern Province. The transaction will see Aramco and Air Products Qudra each owning a 50% stake in BHIG, focusing on commercial opportunities for hydrogen with lower emissions. Highlighting the commitment to lower-carbon solutions, Aramco intends to leverage its expertise in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen technology to lay the groundwork for a future energy system. The partnership with APQ is a significant step towards driving the creation of the largest hydrogen network in the Middle East, catering to various industries like refining, chemical, and petrochemical. BHIG's operations are designed to not only produce lower-carbon hydrogen but also capture and store CO2, aligning with efforts to address environmental concerns. The company aims to kickstart commercial activities in sync with Aramco's CCS initiatives, further solidifying the commitment to sustainable energy practices in the region.