King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center

Q.  What does KAPSARC do?

A.   The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) conducts studies, performs scientific and technology research and analyses on critical issues to the petroleum industry and the broader spectrum of energy and related environmental concerns, in order to support and preserve the Kingdom’s interests. KAPSARC strives to produce viable, responsible energy thinking and strategies for Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. KAPSARC’s aspiration is to transform today’s possibilities into tomorrow’s realities.

For additional information on the Center, please click here

Q.  Is KAPSARC a company or a Government organization?

A.   KAPSARC is neither a company nor a government agency. KAPSARC is a non-profit research center with an independent legal entity. The Center is governed by a Board of Trustees, chaired by the Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An International Advisory Council (IAC), consisting of members of national, regional and international stature, is assisting the Center in guiding the strategic issues and in aligning the research programs for the Center. The President of KAPSARC serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is responsible for the development and execution of its plans, following approval from the Board of Trustees.

For more information on the Governance of the Center, please click here

Q.  What is KAPSARC’s relationship to Saudi Aramco and to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

A.  The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Saudi Aramco are among the major stakeholders and beneficiaries from KAPSARC’s research output. The Ministry has been instrumental in following through on the Council of Ministers Decision to establish the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center. The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources chairs KAPSARC’s Board of Trustees.

Saudi Aramco has been entrusted with developing and launching the Center's activities and in designing and constructing the Center's facilities. A number of Saudi Aramco employees are seconded to the Center until KAPSARC is fully operational and becomes a fully functional entity.

Q.  Where is KAPSARC located and why?

A.   KAPSARC is located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia and the energy center of the world.  It is important for the Center to be situated in the capital as this is where the majority of the stakeholders have a strong presence (e.g. national industry headquarters and governmental agencies), in addition to the presence of several universities and colleges and the fact that it is a high population area.

Riyadh’s central location and accessibility by air and road also makes it convenient for academics and energy executives worldwide to visit the Center, which is situated nearby the King Khalid International Airport.

For more information on the location of the Center, please click here.

Q.  Does KAPSARC have scientific laboratories?

A.  The principal research that will be carried out within the Center is characterized as white board (or white paper) research, which focuses on the economical, social and policy aspects of energy related matters, so laboratories will not be built in-house. However, through collaboration with various local and international research partners, KAPSARC will participate in some relevant science and technology research studies supporting the white board research areas.

Q.  What kind of research is KAPSARC going to conduct?

A.  KAPSARC will primarily be conducting research related to Energy Sustainability, which explores and evaluates petroleum and energy resources, energy technologies, energy markets, and viability and practicality of energy solutions.  

For more information on the Research function of the Center, please click here.

Q.  Which industries will benefit from KAPSARC’s research and transform it into economically sustainable solutions?

A.  Some of the principal industries that will benefit from the Center’s research, with the potential to apply it to their practices, include: the petroleum industry, electricity sector, desalination and water sector, transportation sector, petrochemicals, mining sector and the manufacturing sector.

Q.  When will KAPSARC become fully operational?

A.  KAPSARC is currently operational with a number of Saudi Aramco employees seconded to the Center for an interim period until it becomes fully operational in September 2012. To date four research projects have been approved and are progressing through collaboration with leading national and international research institutions.  KAPSARC’s facilities in Riyadh are currently under construction.

Q.  What type of people will be conducting the research at KAPSARC?

A.  Researchers with backgrounds in economics, engineering, sciences, business administration, finance, international relations, computer science and social science.  These professionals will be at the forefront of monitoring, evaluating and understanding impacts of critical energy issues, technologies and policies and will be primarily responsible for conducting the Center’s research and analyses. 

For more information on the Research function of the Center, please click here.

Q. What will be the principal language used in conducting KAPSARC's work and operations?

The principal languge of the Center is English, with translations into Arabic as appropriate.

Q. Will the Center lead by example to promote environmental and energy sustainable practices?

A.   Yes.  In promoting KAPSARC’s environmentally responsible and energy efficient practices, solar energy will be utilized. The complex in Riyadh will produce 20% of its energy needs from solar.

The Center is also aiming to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. This internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings, uses six categories to rate structures: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design. Earning LEED Platinum status will signify that the Center has been built using the best-in-class methods of sustainable development.

For more information about the KAPSARC facilities, please click here.

Q.  What is the distinct role that KAPSARC can play?

A.  Located in the energy capital of the world, KAPSARC is a dynamic institution that will commission and conduct world-class research and policy studies on issues regarding energy and the environment. From cleaner petroleum to viable alternatives and their economic implications, KAPSARC aims to positively contribute to the adoption of environmentally responsible energy policies and practices for sustaining global prosperity and growth. As both a research center and think tank, the Center will be an independent and collaborative entity that is objective in its approach and dedicated to developing innovative ideas and strategies for Saudi Arabia and the world. It will endeavor to produce world-class research, strategic analysis and policy solutions to advance Saudi Arabia’s role as the premier, environmentally responsible supplier of energy. KAPSARC’s aim is to be the preeminent global center for energy and environmental research and policy studies.

Q.  What is the overall research architecture?

A.  KAPSARC was established to help shape today’s energy challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. With its specialized structure as both a research center and think tank, KAPSARC will bring a new vitality to the formation and dissemination of energy thinking and policy recommendations, addressing local, regional and international issues. KAPSARC will play a vital role in the global energy community - as it represents a region famed for its petroleum output and leverages a producing-country’s perspective - yet, it will also focus on the adoption of alternative fuels, long-term environmentally-friendly strategies and incisive insights. The Center demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the development of human capital and advancing an informed global discussion on energy, the economy and the environment.

For more information on the Research function of the Center, please click here.

Q.  What are the objectives of KAPSARC?

A.  The objectives of KAPSARC are as follows:

• To engage in global, independent research initiatives in the fields of energy and the environment.
• To conduct market, policy and technology research that will support a greater understanding of global energy needs and capabilities, and be conducive to the development and promotion of the energy industry. This will encompass both the traditional and alternative forms of fuel, from development to usage.
• To coordinate in-house research programs while also promoting collaborative studies with leading centers and universities within Saudi Arabia, the region and the world.
• To develop a comprehensive knowledge base to monitor developments in local and global energy markets, including: supply and demand, national and international oil companies, energy and environmental policies, alternative and new energy sources and technologies, and energy conservation - ultimately building on and strengthening the Center’s human capital.
• To prepare and disseminate key learnings for the benefit of target audiences, while also expanding the Saudi public’s knowledge and understanding of the country’s energy industry and related issues.

Q.  What role should KAPSARC play in understanding the impact of technology trends and in fostering execution of technology research?

A.  KAPSARC will undertake the following roles in:

• Studies of energy technology impact on energy markets, including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia competitiveness
• Selective sponsoring of applied technology research
• Proprietary perspective on priority technologies
• Sponsor academic and public technology research
• Attract anchor Multi National Corporations (MNC) to conduct research In Kingdom. 
• Create an entrepreneurial business environment
• Attract Venture Capital (VC) and other professional services to support cluster

Q. What is involved in relocating to Saudi Arabia?

A.  KAPSARC has a Relocation Team to support new hires and their families every step of the way during the relocation process to Saudi Arabia. The Relocation Team is a group of professionals who will take care of the requirements of all permanent KAPSARC employees, from the time they accept the center’s offer until they and their families are safely settled in their new environment.

You will be supported by a Relocation Coordinator, who will make the relocation process as smooth as possible and will coordinate all the relocation activities (obtaining visas, airline bookings, shipping personal effects, moving pets, assigning a home) in addition to helping with any individual needs. The Relocation Team has a dedicated telephone help desk which you can contact 24/7 with any queries.

Q.  What sort of accommodation can I expect?

A.  The KAPSARC residential complex consists of first-class air-conditioned fully furnished housing and modern recreational facilities, such as a swimming pools, gym, community center, supermarket, etc. There is a variety of fully furnished accommodation on the complex, including villas, town houses and apartments, and employees will be offered housing based on center’s policies and availability.

If you are working at KAPSARC while the Center in Riyadh is still under construction, your interim housing will be in the Al-Khobar area, close to KAPSARC’s temporary offices in Dhahran. You will be provided with accommodation in a secure gated compound with recreational facilities.

To view the video of the residential complex, please click here

Q.  What assistance does KAPSARC give employees for schooling their children?

A.  KAPSARC will provide eligible employees’ children full educational support, from KG1 to GR12, provided that the children attend schools in Saudi Arabia. KAPSARC will provide educational assistance up to a stipulated amount for each child per school year, for a maximum of two children per employee. The school fees will be paid directly to the employee’s elected school. There is a selection of local international schools from which to chose, offering different educational curriculums. 

Q.  Will I be able to bring my pets?

A.  KAPSARC allows residents in certain of the KAPSARC residential facilities to keep dogs, cats and birds on the complex. There are restrictions imposed on importing animals into Saudi Arabia and on the number of pets allowed. Your Relocation Coordinator will provide you with the details of the process to bring your pets with you.

Please note that some interim accommodation facilities do not allow pets.