KBR Methanol Technology Chosen by Fikrat Al-Tadweer for Saudi Arabia’s First Biomethanol Facility

KBR has announced the award of a significant contract for its advanced PureMSM green methanol technology, marking a major milestone in the development of sustainable fuels in the Middle East. The technology has been selected by Fikrat Al-Tadweer for what will become the first biomethanol production facility in Saudi Arabia. The project is designed to convert landfill gas into clean, renewable methanol, supporting both environmental protection and energy transition goals.

This pioneering biomethanol plant represents an important step toward reducing emissions from waste sites while simultaneously creating value-added, low-carbon fuels. Landfill gas, which is typically composed of methane and carbon dioxide, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions when released untreated into the atmosphere. By capturing and converting this gas into biomethanol, the facility will help mitigate environmental impacts while generating a commercially viable fuel suitable for a wide range of industrial and energy applications.

KBR’s PureMSM solution is specifically engineered for large-scale commercial deployment, with a strong focus on minimizing the overall cost of renewable methanol production. One of the key advantages of the technology is its flexibility in feedstock utilization. It can process biogas sourced from landfills, syngas derived from gasification processes, hydrogen streams, and even pure CO2. This versatility allows plant operators to adapt to varying feedstock availability while maintaining high operational efficiency and consistent product quality.

Under the terms of the agreement, KBR will play a central role in the development of the biomethanol facility. The company will provide technology licensing, proprietary process and engineering design, specialized catalysts, and critical proprietary equipment required for the plant’s operation. By delivering an integrated technology package, KBR aims to ensure reliable performance, optimized energy efficiency, and long-term operational stability for the project.

Commenting on the announcement, Jay Ibrahim, President of Sustainable Technology Solutions at KBR, highlighted the strategic and environmental importance of the collaboration. He noted that supporting Fikrat Al-Tadweer on this landmark biomethanol initiative aligns closely with the Kingdom’s national objectives to eliminate harmful landfill gas emissions and promote the production of sustainable fuels. According to him, the project reflects KBR’s broader commitment to strengthening global energy security while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s vision of a cleaner and more sustainable future.

For Saudi Arabia, the biomethanol plant aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources, reduce carbon intensity, and advance circular economy principles. Transforming waste-derived gases into renewable fuels supports environmental stewardship while also fostering local technological capability and industrial development. The project is expected to serve as a reference point for similar initiatives in the region and beyond, demonstrating how waste management and clean energy production can be effectively integrated.

With more than five decades of experience, KBR has established itself as a global leader in the development, commercialization, and implementation of innovative process technologies. The company’s portfolio spans sustainable fuels, ammonia, hydrogen, and carbon management solutions, enabling clients worldwide to meet evolving environmental and regulatory requirements. This latest contract further strengthens KBR’s position in the rapidly growing market for renewable methanol and underscores its role in advancing low-carbon energy solutions on a global scale.