DHAHRAN, 9th December, 2022 (WAM) - The Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) and Shandong Energy Group, are exploring collaboration on integrated refining and petrochemical opportunities in China.

The companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which includes a potential crude oil supply agreement and chemicals products offtake agreement, supporting Aramco's role in building a thriving downstream sector in Shandong Province.

The signing ceremony, which was conducted with the participation of Shandong Provincial People's Government, underlined the importance of Aramco's collaboration with Chinese companies. The scope of the MoU extends to cooperation across technologies related to hydrogen, renewables and carbon capture and storage.

Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Senior Vice President of Downstream, said: "Through collaborations such as this in China's energy heartland, we are creating new pathways for growth in a country that is driving the increased integration of refining and petrochemical processes. I am delighted that this spirit of cooperation is being extended across hydrogen, renewables and carbon capture and excited by the potential for further cooperation in these key areas which will shape our collective future."

Li Wei, Chairman of Shandong Energy Group, said: "Both Shandong Energy and Aramco are important players in the international energy arena. We share a lot of common interests, complementary strategies with expansive scope for cooperation, especially in oil and gas resources development and integrated refining and petrochemicals development along the whole industrial chain."

The announcement strengthens Aramco's efforts to support demand for energy, petrochemicals and non-metallics in China as the company seeks to expand its liquids to chemicals capacity to up to 4 million barrels per day by 2030.