Green Hydrogen in Saudi Arabia's NEOM

Abstract

NEOM, an acronym that combines the Greek neos (‘new’) and the first letter of the Arabic word for ‘future,’ mustaqbal ,’ is a planned economic region in northwest Saudi Arabia being created to address some of the most pressing global challenges. These challenges include the impacts of climate change, unrestrained urban development and sprawl, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. The region aims to serve as a model of livability that places people and the planet in harmony, with sustainability at its core. NEOM’s energy system will be 100% renewable (predominately from solar and wind), ensuring clean and pollution-free urban environments. Its abundant wind and solar resources will also allow for the optimal production of low-cost green hydrogen. The best available technologies for sea mining, direct air capture, and fuel production, among others, can be piloted at NEOM’s Hydrogen Innovation and Development Center and scaled up to industrial-scale production facilities. One example is the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company project, a facility soon expected to produce 1.2 million tons of green ammonia per year. However, NEOM will also become a hub for hydrogen-based product manufacturing, inclusively deepening the Saudi-based value chain. Partnerships with thyssenkrupp, Hyzon Motors, Air Products, and others will drive technology development at NEOM, from the prototype stage to demonstration, early adoption, and maturity.