Advanced composite materials, such as carbon fibre, are stronger and lighter than steel
Letter from Saudi Arabia: Oil and the materials transition
As the global economy grows, demand for materials is expected to increase. The way materials are made could incorporate new technologies in the future to ensure economic growth is more sustainable
The energy transition involves a gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions where the oil and gas sector, supported by technological innovations, is expected to contribute by developing solutions towards such reduction ambitions. Yet one area may require special focus: finding optimal material solutions with lower carbon emissions in high volume applications. At Aramco, we support a pragmatic, balanced and action-led global energy transition that involves a concurrent ‘materials transition’. The global population is forecast to reach 10b by 2060, and global GDP is likely to increase fourfold, according to the OECD, which could signify a consumption increase in energy, fuel and materials f
Also in this section
13 March 2026
Brussels is again weighing a cap on gas prices amid the Hormuz crisis, but the measure could backfire by deterring the LNG cargoes Europe urgently needs
12 March 2026
Emergency oil stocks provide a last line of defence to oil market shocks, so the IEA’s unprecedented 400m bl release represents something of a double-edged sword
12 March 2026
LPG could rapidly expand access to clean cooking across Africa and prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths from indoor air pollution each year, but infrastructure shortages and regulatory barriers are slowing investment and market growth
11 March 2026
Missiles over Dubai and disruption in Hormuz are testing the emirate’s reputation—and shaking the energy hub at the centre of the Gulf economy
