De-risking design and driving sustainable integration at the SASREF expansion
Aramco, its affiliate Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company (SASREF), and an affiliate of Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. have signed a Development Framework Agreement in Beijing that sets the stage for the SASREF + ECC expansion in Jubail Industrial Zone II.
The tripartite agreement establishes how the partners will design and develop an integrated refining-and-petrochemicals complex – an essential step in Aramco’s US$100 billion liquids-to-chemicals programme and in delivering Vision 2030.
By converting the existing refinery into a facility capable of producing Euro V-compliant fuels and high-value petrochemicals via large-scale steam crackers and associated derivatives, we ensure environmental stewardship from pre-FEED onwards through our comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Our role in the Environmental Impact Assessment
- We prepared a full EIA aligned with RCER 2025 Volume II Appendix C, covering baseline studies (air, noise, water, soil, ecology), impact prediction, mitigation measures, and an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP).
- Our oil-and-gas process engineers guided permitting with the National Centre for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), shortening approval cycles and avoiding construction delays.
- We facilitated transparent public consultations through stakeholder town-hall meetings, fostering community support and minimising opposition during construction.
- We provided design guidance on renewable-energy integration, wastewater reuse, and circular-economy principles to align the project with the Saudi Green Initiative.
Strategic benefits of our EIA approach
Early risk mitigation: Identifying emissions hotspots before detailed engineering helps us avoid costly redesigns.
Informed decision-making: Robust data enable stakeholders to balance economic, environmental, and social priorities confidently.
Regulatory confidence: Full compliance with RCER 2015 and NCEC requirements secures Licences to Construct and Operate on schedule.
Design optimisation: EIA insights improve front-end choices, boosting resilience and lowering lifetime emissions.
Proven Expertise: Staterra Case Studies in Environmental Impact Assessment
Staterra’s approach at SASREF builds on a track record of high-impact EIA services across Jubail Industrial City and beyond. We’ve successfully delivered significant environmental assessments for a range of major projects, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to adding value beyond mere compliance.
In case you missed them or want to find out more about how we can help you achieve your project goals, some of our key projects are highlighted below:
- Inma Steel Fabrication Expansion – Conducted multi-year monitoring and implemented Best Available Techniques, securing permit approval within nine months.
- Al Qaryan Metal Recycling Facility – Delivered a rapid EIA, Permit Application Package, and Emergency Response Plan, enabling swift construction permit acquisition.
- Fadhili GIP Fixed Facility Expansion & Rich MEG – Condensate Pipeline Installation – Provided an NCEC-approved EIA with advanced dispersion and groundwater modelling to obtain the Permit to Construct.
- Upgrading Yanbu NGL Fractionation Plant – Executed a comprehensive EIA and hazard analyses with stakeholder workshops and BAT emission controls for enhanced safety and sustainability.
- Ensuring Safety at Diriyah Gate: A Hazard-Based Approach – Employed Hazardous Area Classification and HAZOP studies for sewage treatment plant upgrades, mitigating flammable-atmosphere risks.
By weaving rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment practice into every phase of the pre-FEED process, Staterra not only safeguarded regulatory compliance for the SASREF Expansion Project but also delivered strategic insights that drive sustainable petrochemical integration in Jubail Industrial City.
Our SASREF project team
The success of any project depends on the skill and experience of the team. For the SASREF expansion, we have assembled a multidisciplinary team that combines seasoned oil-and-gas process engineers with environmental scientists. This gives us technical depth across all stages of the project, from design and permitting to operations.
Our team has proven expertise in Saudi environmental regulations and works seamlessly with the EPC contractor, Samsung Engineering & Construction, and with Aramco and SASREF stakeholders to keep the project moving forward.
The overall team structure for the SASREF Project carried out by SAMSUNG E & A on behalf of Saudi ARAMCO.
Contact us today to discuss your project’s environmental consulting needs and discover how we can help you achieve your sustainability and regulatory compliance goals.