Nonmetallics

Automotive

The automotive industry is already a large consumer of nonmetallic product like carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Carbon fiber-based materials are lighter than steel, which means less fuel consumption, better vehicle performance and lower emissions.

We are exploring how to reduce the manufacturing costs of carbon fiber for mass production by at least 50%, while developing and promoting carbon fiber and polymer-based technologies in applications such as hydrogen storage tanks and electric vehicle battery enclosures.

Packaging

The recyclability of nonmetallic solutions make them well-suited to the packaging industry, which depends on materials like wood pallets and plastic pallets.

As a first step, we are planning to replace our future demand of wood pallets with plastic alternatives. We are also exploring deployment of other nonmetallic applications for packaging; working to develop eco-friendly polymeric materials with improved recyclability and reduced degradability, and to develop lighter, more cost-effective plastic pallet applications.

Oil and gas

Nonmetallic applications in the oil and gas sector include onshore and offshore piping, tanks, vessels, cooling towers, valves, pumps and secondary offshore structures.

Our growing deployment of nonmetallic materials includes 2,400 km in onshore applications and in ~80 conventional gas wells.

We are also addressing technical challenges around deploying composite pipe technologies, founding the Nonmetallic Innovation Center (NIC) to provide expanded solutions for onshore and downhole applications. At the same time, we are leading a global effort towards the development of international qualifications, methodologies and guidelines relating to nonmetallic applications in oil and gas – the uptake of which will reduce material life-cycle cost and carbon emissions across the sector.

Renewable energy

We have initiated research and development projects to develop polymer and hybrid polymer materials to replace glass in solar photovoltaic (PV) panels – a valuable potential application for nonmetallic materials.

In doing so, we have also aligned with a solar PV panel manufacturer to adopt and commercialize future solutions, and are working with the National Renewable Energy Program in Saudi Arabia to localize PV panels and promote the use of polymer-based PV panels in Saudi mega-projects.

Building and construction

The construction sector has a wide range of potential opportunities for nonmetallic materials, including composite rebar, polymer concrete, structural components, flooring, building accessories and composite claddings.

Our own application of non-metallics in construction is not new; we have used nonmetallic pipes in most of our oil and gas facilities for over two decades, and it is standard for most utility applications in our plants. 

Strategic partnerships

Aramco also collaborates with local and international suppliers and research institutes globally to accelerate nonmetallic development and deployment outside the oil and gas sectors. For example, as part of the NIC partnership, we have signed agreements with pipe manufacturers, such as Future Pipe Industries and Soluforce, to develop research into Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) and Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Pipe (RTRP) applications. We have also initiated a joint venture with Baker Hughes to manufacture nonmetallic materials for use in the energy industry.

Nonmetallic Innovation Centre

Capitalizing on the growth opportunities in the oil and gas sector, the Nonmetallic Innovation Center (NIC) is a partnership between Aramco, The Welding Institute (TWI), and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

This partnership is focused on expanding the development and use of nonmetallic pipes in the oil and gas industry. NIC is an integrated research, technology and manufacturing hub bringing together prominent academic institutions, research and technology organizations, composite manufacturers, and leading oil and gas companies including Soluforce, Arkema, DNV-GL, The University of Cambridge and The University of Manchester.