Arab News reported that Saudi Arabia which plans to inject carbon dioxide into the world's biggest oil field by 2013 to trap climate warming gas and improve oil production has discussed plans with Belgium to cooperate in the field of carbon capture and storage.

As per report, the plans will help to undertake joint research projects, disseminate and exchange up-to-date information and evaluate where Riyadh and Brussels stand in terms of CCS research and development.

Mr Bart Ouvry a spokesman for the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "Cooperation in the field of CCS was one of the major topics discussed with senior Saudi officials during Sunday's meetings."

Mr Ouvry was referring to talks between Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and Belgian Foreign Minister Mr Yves Leterme. The Belgian delegation also visited the King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology and the headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation.

The Belgian spokesman said that 2 important subjects the Middle East peace process and Afghanistan were discussed besides several other issues of common concerns. He said that the Belgian side had pledged to support Saudi initiatives to restore peace in the Middle East region. The issue of energy and oil prices topped the agenda of talks.

The move to boost Saudi Belgian cooperation in the energy sector is significant keeping in view the fact that the Kingdom was marching ahead in terms of CCS research and development. Saudi Aramco is currently working on a demonstration project for CO2 enhanced oil recovery. This CO2 EOR demonstration project is planned for implementation by 2013. It is planned to inject 40 million standard cubic feet per day of CO2 in an area already flooded by water in the great reservoir of Ghawar in the Kingdom.

(Sourced from Arab News)