A step forward in fuel technology

Collaboration and technology go hand-in-hand and this was on full display when the Aramco Fuel Research Center (AFRC) in Paris unveiled the latest development in its energy efficient, Octane-on-Demand (OoD) engine technology. Since 2013 the project has been a collaboration with prestigious French energy research institute IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN), with the goal of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

IFPEN, a leader in its field, which also receives Saudi Aramco sponsored students, brings with it a very strong background in engine fuel matching, and for its part, Saudi Aramco brings knowledge of fuel production and industrial networks.

The current vehicle technology relies on a dual fuel concept allowing real-time modification of the fuel’s anti-knock quality, therefore minimizing CO2 emissions. Measurements showed that the OoD concept delivers a 4% reduction in the tailpipe CO2 emissions, while the CO2 intensity of the fuel is also around 9% lower than that of conventional fuel. It is estimated that an additional 15% reduction in CO2 emissions could be achieved by combining the OoD concept with the other advanced engine technologies.

For AFRC director Calendini, this is only the start, with other exciting projects already underway at the research center. “At this time we have a vehicle that uses two tanks with two different fuels. The next step is to use only one fuel and process it with an on-board fuel upgrading system. We are working with Dhahran to build the first prototype and hope to send it to the Kingdom for testing soon.”

Saudi Aramco’s research in the field of fuels technology is part of our commitment to a cleaner environment, as demonstrated in the leading role the company took in Oil and Gas Climate Initiative and COP21 deliberations. In addition, Saudi Aramco can leverage our strategic position within an established automotive ecosystem to become a technology leader in fuels and transportation.