Saudi’s Latest Energy Gambit Is “Twice the Size of NEOM’s”

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in the global green hydrogen market with its announcement of a new facility in Yanbu. This ambitious project, led by ACWA Power in collaboration with Germany’s EnBW, is set to nearly double the size of the ongoing NEOM project.

With a capacity to produce 400,000 tons of green hydrogen annually, which will be converted into ammonia for global export, the Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub marks a major step in Saudi Arabia’s clean energy ambitions. This facility aims to position the Kingdom as a leader in hydrogen exports, aligning with its broader vision for energy diversification and economic growth.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in the Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub is part of a broader strategy to become a global leader in hydrogen exports. The Kingdom has committed to investing up to $270 billion in energy by 2030, with the goal of supplying 10% of the world’s hydrogen exports. This aligns with regional ambitions, as the Gulf countries increasingly look to diversify their economies and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

According to Pierre-Etienne Franc, CEO of Hy24, “The region is the next big place for hydrogen.” This statement underscores the intense competition in the Middle East and North Africa, where countries like the United Arab Emirates and Morocco are also making significant investments in hydrogen infrastructure. Collectively, these efforts represent a substantial portion of the global electrolysis capacity currently under development, though many projects still await final investment decisions.

Read the full story at Sustainability Times

Farah - News Editor