KAPSARC Company Profile

Background

Overview

The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) is a non-profit advisory think tank established in 2007 by a resolution of the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, KAPSARC specializes in energy economics, climate, and sustainability, aiming to advance Saudi Arabia's energy sector and inform global policies through evidence-based advice and applied research.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To advance Saudi Arabia's energy sector and inform global policies through evidence-based advice and applied research.

Vision: To be a leading advisory think tank in energy economics and sustainability.

Primary Area of Focus

KAPSARC focuses on providing strategic insights and consultancy services to key stakeholders and authorities across Saudi Arabia, while also supporting global policymakers in making informed decisions. By addressing complex energy challenges, the center contributes to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for the world.

Industry Significance

As an accredited observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), KAPSARC actively contributes to global climate and environmental dialogues. Its mission is to advance Saudi Arabia's energy sector and inform global policy through evidence-based advice and applied research.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Advisory Services: Providing expert guidance through tailored analysis and strategic solutions to entities and authorities in the Saudi energy sector.

Research and Publications: Producing internationally recognized research, tools, and data to impact global policymaking.

Talent Development: Incubating distinctive talent for the advancement of Saudi Arabia's energy sector.

Innovative Initiatives: Leveraging KAPSARC's unique foundations and resources for novel initiatives to maximize institutional impact.

Areas of Specialization

Global Energy Markets: Analyzing shifts in the global energy landscape, including upstream supply, downstream capacity, technological advancements, investment strategies, and economic impacts.

Saudi Energy Sector: Combining deep local expertise with a global perspective to shape the future of the Saudi energy sector, focusing on sustainability and long-term energy transition.

Climate and Sustainability: Providing strategic guidance on achieving ambitious sustainability and net-zero targets through advanced climate-energy-economic models, in-depth analysis, and data-driven insights.

Key Technologies Utilized

KAPSARC employs innovative, data-driven, and cross-functional methods and models across multiple disciplines to inform decision-making. The center has introduced more than 1,250 open-access models and research tools to advance the understanding of energy economics and environmental policy pathways.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

KAPSARC's primary focus is on the Saudi energy sector, providing advisory services to entities and authorities within the Kingdom. Additionally, the center supports global policymakers in making informed decisions, contributing to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future worldwide.

Financials and Funding

As a non-profit institution, KAPSARC's funding primarily comes from the Saudi Arabian government. Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. The capital is utilized to support the center's research initiatives, advisory services, and talent development programs.

Pipeline Development

KAPSARC focuses on developing research initiatives and publications that address complex energy challenges. The center has introduced more than 1,250 open-access models and research tools to advance the understanding of energy economics and environmental policy pathways. In 2022, KAPSARC launched the second edition of the Circular Carbon Economy Index, a tool to compare how 64 countries are deploying various methods and technologies to reduce their CO₂ emissions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

KAPSARC has developed proprietary models and research tools, including the KAPSARC Energy Model (KEM), to provide insights and recommendations for energy security, diversify economic resources, and curb climate change.

Significant Scientific Methods

Advanced Climate-Energy-Economic Models: Utilized to provide strategic guidance on achieving sustainability and net-zero targets.

Data-Driven Insights and Forecasts: Employed to help policymakers and industries navigate the global energy transition and align their strategies with long-term value creation.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, KAPSARC's emphasis on data-driven insights and advanced modeling suggests the integration of AI and machine learning techniques in its research methodologies.

Leadership Team

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman: Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Minister of Energy for Saudi Arabia.

Fahad Alajlan: President.

Axel Pierru: Vice President of Knowledge & Analysis.

Saad Al Qarni: Vice President of Finance and Operations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global energy sector is undergoing significant transformations, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation. As a leading advisory think tank, KAPSARC plays a crucial role in shaping energy policies and strategies to address these challenges.

Competitor Analysis

KAPSARC operates in a competitive landscape with other think tanks and research institutions focusing on energy economics and sustainability. Notable competitors include the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the World Resources Institute (WRI). Each organization contributes to global energy policy discussions, but KAPSARC's unique position in Saudi Arabia provides it with distinct insights into the region's energy dynamics.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

KAPSARC has established strong ties with over 25 research institutes, public policy organizations, and government institutions worldwide. These collaborations enable the center to enrich its advisory output and contribute to global policy development through research-driven expertise.

Operational Insights

KAPSARC's strategic considerations include maintaining its position as a leading advisory think tank in energy economics and sustainability. The center leverages its unique foundations and resources for innovative initiatives to maximize institutional impact, ensuring its relevance and influence in the evolving energy landscape.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

KAPSARC's strategic roadmap focuses on advancing Saudi Arabia's energy sector and informing global policies through evidence-based advice and applied research. The center aims to continue its role as a leading advisory think tank in energy economics and sustainability, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for the world.