Saudi Aramco has agreed to acquire an equity interest in the Jubail-based Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases Co. (BHIG), a subsidiary of Air Products Qudra. This move is part of Aramco's plan to develop a lower-carbon hydrogen network in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The investment aims to cater to both domestic and regional customers. The deal, subject to closing conditions, will see Aramco and APQ each holding a 50% stake in BHIG. Aramco intends to utilize its expertise in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen technology to promote the use of lower-carbon hydrogen. The company foresees promising commercial prospects in this sector. The partnership with Air Products Qudra is strategized to expedite the growth of the hydrogen economy and establish a significant hydrogen network in the Middle East, primarily benefiting the refining, chemical, and petrochemical industries. BHIG's operations focus on producing lower-carbon hydrogen while actively capturing and storing CO2 emissions. The company plans to align its commercial activities with Aramco's CCS initiatives, aiming to create a sustainable marketplace for hydrogen in the region.