Shaping a sustainable future at the Almobda IPA Plant Project
At the heart of Jubail Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a significant industrial venture is taking shape: the Almobda Iso-Propyl Alcohol (IPA) Production Plant. This facility, owned and operated by Almobda Company for Industrial Services and Chemicals, is set to produce 100,000 metric tons of Isopropanol Alcohol per year.
Driving Industrial Sustainability and National Progress
More than a world-class production facility, the Almobda IPA Plant plays a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s vision for a diversified, sustainable, and robust economy.
The project bolsters the local industrial sector, helps reduce national reliance on imported IPA, and sets new benchmarks for eco-conscious petrochemical development. By aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and international best practices, the plant embodies the Kingdom’s goals to promote industrial excellence, environmental stewardship, and sustainable job creation within the region.
For such a substantial project, ensuring environmental responsibility is paramount, and this is where we, at Staterra, have played a crucial and comprehensive role.
The process flow schematic for isopropyl alcohol production process is now shown below in Figure 2 and chemical formula [CH3 2CHOH] in Figure 3.
Commissioned to Environmental Excellence
Staterra were commissioned by Fluor Arabia Limited Company, the Front End Engineering and Design – FEED Contractor for the Almobda IPA Plant project, to prepare the essential Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study. This critical study forms a cornerstone of the permitting process, aiming to secure an Environmental Permit to Construct from the Royal Commission for Jubail, Environmental Protection Department Authority.
Our EIA Study Report production process is designed to systematically assess a project’s likely significant environmental and social effects, helping all parties understand potential impacts and the necessary steps to mitigate them. It’s an iterative process, allowing for project design adjustments to reduce or avoid adverse effects early on.
A Portfolio of Comprehensive Environmental Reporting
Our team has been instrumental in developing a suite of detailed environmental reports and plans, all contributing to the overarching EIA report. These documents cover various aspects of potential environmental impact, from air quality to waste management, and demonstrate our commitment to rigorous assessment:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report: This comprehensive document provides an overview of the project, potential environmental impacts, and proposed mitigation and monitoring strategies across all phases—construction, commissioning, and operation.
Air Dispersion Modelling Report: We assess predicted ground-level concentrations of air pollutants using the US EPA’s AERMOD programme, confirming compliance with RCER-2015 ambient air quality standards and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) increments under both normal and worst-case scenarios.
Noise Modelling Report: Using SoundPLAN software, we ensure plant noise emissions comply with RCER-2020 standards, predicting fence-line levels within the allowable 75dB(A) and negating the need for additional mitigation.
Groundwater Flow Direction Modelling Report: We establish baseline groundwater conditions and flow direction on site using the USEPA 3PE tool.
Environmental Emergency Response Plan (EERP): Our plan ensures rapid, effective response protocols to minimise harm to worker safety, public health, and the environment during potential emergencies.
Environmental Management & Monitoring Plan (EMMP): We outline responsibilities, statutory obligations, corrective actions, audit requirements, and training to address all environmental aspects throughout the project lifecycle.
Expertise and Collaboration
Our comprehensive approach involved key personnel: Ahmad M. Al Taweel (Sr. Consultant), Islam A Dawoud (Technical Manager), and Amer B. Al Zubaidi (Projects Manager).
Further demonstrating our depth of expertise, we contracted Air Quality Environmental Services Company to execute a perimeter noise measurement survey, characterising existing ambient noise levels and confirming compliance with Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) Environmental Protection and Control Department (EPCD) regulations (see 2025 Royal Commission Environmental Regulations (RCER) regulations).
Commitment to Standards and Sustainability
Our work on the Almobda IPA Plant project adheres to stringent KSA national and World Bank – International Finance Corporation environmental performance standards and guidelines, including in the case of the former the Royal Commission Environmental Regulations (RCER-2015) and in the case of the latter the World Bank/IFC guidelines, US EPA standards, and EU Best Available Techniques (BAT). The project design implements BAT to prevent and reduce emissions, ensuring full compliance with RCER 2015 standards.
Our EIA processes embodies sustainable development principles, enabling early identification and mitigation of all negative environmental impacts to flora and fauna both terrestrial and marine on behalf of proximal communities, project site workers and all stakeholders. Sustainability considerations guide every stage, with advanced modelling and assessment undertaken from the outset to achieve the highest standards of environmental performance and industry leadership.
This proactive, best-practice approach adopted by Staterra has served to position the Almobda IPA Plant as a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward a greener, innovation-driven and most importantly self-sustaining industrial landscape.
Let Staterra help you achieve your environmental goals and ‘Go beyond compliance.’
Author: John David Lapinskas C.Chem., C.Env. – Staterra Technical Director