How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition

Special How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition
Hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 45 min 47 sec ago
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How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition

How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition
  • NEOM is leading Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a top manufacturer and exporter of clean energy
  • The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, diversifying the Kingdom’s economy while cutting carbon emissions

RIYADH: As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, Saudi Arabia is making bold strides in green hydrogen production, positioning itself as a world leader in the manufacture and export of sustainable energy.

At the heart of this transformation is the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, a key component of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for diversifying its economy away from oil and achieving sustainability.

Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, has emerged as a critical solution in the fight against climate change.

Unlike gray or blue hydrogen, which are produced from natural gas and emit carbon dioxide or require carbon capture technologies, green hydrogen offers a zero-emissions alternative that can be used across various sectors, from transportation to manufacturing and energy storage.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy strategy, NGHC is harnessing the country’s abundant wind and sunshine to produce green hydrogen on a massive scale.

The initiative will not only help Saudi Arabia reduce its domestic carbon footprint but also position the Kingdom as a major global supplier of green hydrogen, helping other countries reduce their emissions.




To ensure that its green hydrogen plant is carbon-free, NGHC produces hydrogen only from solar and wind, said CEO Wesam Al-Ghamdi. (Shutterstock photo)

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NGHC, described how NGHC’s and the project’s focus on green hydrogen is aligned with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.

“We are proud to say that our vision is driven by Vision 2030,” he said. “Our product, our green ammonia, will be saving the world 5 million tonnes of carbon emissions.”

NGHC is set to be a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s green energy ambitions, producing up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen daily using renewable energy from the vast solar and wind farms situated in NEOM — a futuristic city being built in northwest Saudi Arabia. 




Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company. (Supplied)

Indeed, NEOM’s geographic position, with optimal sunlight and wind conditions, makes it an ideal hub for green hydrogen production.

At the core of NGHC is its cutting-edge technology. 

According to Al-Ghamdi, this will enable us to scale production at the plant to effectively support global decarbonization efforts, even within traditionally hard-to-abate sectors.




Late last year, NEOM started receiving wind turbines to power its green hydrogen plant in Oxagon, a floating industrial city under development on the coast of the Red Sea. (NEOM photo)

Additionally, ENOWA’s Hydrogen Innovation and Development Center (HIDC), located at Oxagon features a project by NGHC and will focus on R&D, training and development and will ensure the Kingdom stays ahead of evolving green energy technologies.

Al-Ghamdi stressed the entire development was designed with environmental considerations in mind. “Since we started the development and the design phase, we have been building the plant to be environmentally friendly,” he said.

While some critics argue that large-scale hydrogen production could inadvertently create environmental challenges, NGHC’s leadership emphasizes the sustainable nature of the operation

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The company aims to produce hydrogen entirely through renewable energy sources, ensuring minimal environmental disruption.

“We are building the plant to be carbon-free. We are only producing hydrogen from solar and wind,” said Al-Ghamdi.

He further highlighted that environmental policies and procedures would remain central to the project as it evolved.




NEOM Green Hydrogen Company leaders on field visit. (Supplied)

“For the future, the keyword is reinforcement,” he said. “We build our policy, procedures and framework around starting the operations and continuing the operations to be environmentally friendly.”

NGHC’s ambitions extend far beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. The project aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in hydrogen production, while also creating thousands of new jobs and stimulating local economies.

These efforts reflect a broader global shift toward sustainable energy, offering a glimpse into the future of the hydrogen economy.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Green hydrogen releases zero carbon dioxide and its only byproduct is water, making it the cleanest hydrogen fuel.

• By 2030, half of Saudi Arabia’s power will come from renewable sources, including green hydrogen.

• Saudi Arabia plans to invest more than $200 billion in renewable energy by 2030, boosting green hydrogen initiatives.

International collaboration is seen as a key factor in the project’s success. By working closely with leading global industry partners, ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM, NGHC is ensuring it remains at the forefront of green hydrogen production.

Such partnerships are crucial for knowledge-sharing and innovation in the hydrogen sector. 

“ACWA Power and their experience, deep knowledge, and renewable power continues to be a source for us,” said Al-Ghamdi.




NEOM Green Hydrogen Company recently partnered with the Energy & Water Academy to train Saudi Arabia’s future green energy workforce. (NEOM photo)

For Saudi Arabia, green hydrogen is more than just a tool for reducing emissions — it is a critical element of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

“Saudi Arabia especially, the major countries of the G20, the decarbonizing and net-zero targets, are telling us that there is nowhere to go but to decarbonize,” said Al-Ghamdi.

“No one doubts that hydrogen is the fuel of the future.”
 

 


KSrelief provides aid to Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

KSrelief provides aid to Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan
Updated 6 sec ago
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KSrelief provides aid to Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

KSrelief provides aid to Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has provided tens of thousands of shelter packages and other support to vulnerable communities across Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The agency distributed 6,000 cartons of dates in the Shabwah governorate of Yemen, benefiting 36,000 needy and displaced people affected by flash floods and heavy rains.

And in Lebanon, 175,000 bags of bread were delivered to Syrian and Palestinian refugees, as well as to the host community in the nation’s north, benefiting 12,000 families.

The aid is a part of the fourth phase of the Al-Amal Charity Bakery Project, carried out by KSrelief in Akkar governorate and Miniyeh district in Lebanon.

Meanwhile there were 1,750 shelter bags delivered on Monday in the Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab regions of Pakistan, benefiting 12,250 individuals in flood-affected areas.

The distribution was a part of the project’s fourth phase this year that ensures shelter materials and winter bags for vulnerable people in Pakistan.


Japan prepares to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia

Japan prepares to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia
Updated 22 min 42 sec ago
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Japan prepares to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia

Japan prepares to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia
  • Commemorative events will promote cooperation in areas such as culture, sports, education, tourism, economics, science

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia and Japan will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is endorsing a wide range of commemorative events to be held both in Japan and the Kingdom.

A commemorative logo has been released, which features a combination of a palm tree, a symbol of Saudi Arabia, and cherry blossoms, a flower synonymous with Japan.

Japan’s foreign ministry on Monday issued guidelines for next year’s celebratory events under its purview.

The guidelines state that events should aim to deepen mutual understanding, and promote cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas such as culture, art, sports, education, tourism, economics, and science, and should take place during, or close to, 2025.

Anyone wishing to organize an event can obtain further information from the Second Middle East Division of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia, or Consulate-General in Jeddah.

Only events that are approved will be able to use the official logo.

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Falconers flock to north Saudi as hunting season begins

Falconers flock to north Saudi as hunting season begins
Updated 01 October 2024
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Falconers flock to north Saudi as hunting season begins

Falconers flock to north Saudi as hunting season begins

RIYADH: As hunting season begins this month, falconers from the Kingdom and the GCC are flocking to the Al-Hammad area, east of Arar in the northern border of Saudi Arabia.

The Al-Hammad area is a renowned stopover for migratory birds during the hunting season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

For visitors, there are also opportunities for camping, tours and participation in traditional arts and crafts, including playing the rababa and reciting poetry.

In addition, the area is known for the sale of falcons, making it a popular destination for buyers.


Saudi FM discusses developments in Lebanon with French, Lebanese counterparts

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, and French FM.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, and French FM.
Updated 30 September 2024
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Saudi FM discusses developments in Lebanon with French, Lebanese counterparts

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, and French FM.
  • Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called the foreign ministers of Lebanon and France separately on Monday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed developments in Lebanon with his French and Lebanese counterparts in phone calls on Monday.

In a phone call with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Prince Faisal stressed the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon’s security and stability.

During a separate phone call, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Prince Faisal discussed the consequences of developments in Lebanon and efforts made in this regard.  


Saudi space pioneer recognized by Guinness World Records as first female Arab in space

Rayyanah Barnawi, Saudi astronaut
Rayyanah Barnawi, Saudi astronaut
Updated 30 September 2024
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Saudi space pioneer recognized by Guinness World Records as first female Arab in space

Rayyanah Barnawi, Saudi astronaut
  • Saudi Rayyanah Barnawi was part of the Axiom Mission 2 that launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on May 21, 2023

RIYADH: The first female Arab astronaut has had her pioneering spaceflight recognized by Guinness World Records, the organization announced on Monday.

Saudi Rayyanah Barnawi was part of the Axiom Mission 2 that launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on May 21, 2023. She was accompanied by fellow Saudi Ali Al-Qarni aboard a craft bound for the International Space Station.

In her first message she said: “This trip does not represent me alone, but rather the entire Arab world and all Saudis. We are living a dream that once seemed impossible but has become reality.”

Al-Qarni and Barnawi — the first Arab woman to orbit Earth — returned on May 31 after an eight-day stay at the ISS. During their time there they carried out 14 research projects on microgravity, three of which were kite experiments involving 12,000 school students from 47 locations across the Kingdom, conducted via satellite.

During her mission, part of the Saudi Astronaut Program, Barnawi completed several groundbreaking experiments that included studying the response of immune cells and how microgravity affects biological processes.

Barnawi has spent her career advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of cancer stem cells. She worked at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre and holds a bachelor’s degree in genetic engineering and tissue development from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. She also has a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Alfaisal University in Riyadh.

Barnawi’s personal journey reflects her strong ties to both Saudi Arabia and her Sudanese heritage.

Her world record-breaking achievement follows in the footsteps of the Kingdom’s Prince Sultan bin Salman who, in 1985, became the first Arab to go into space.