In the vast deserts of northwestern Saudi Arabia, something groundbreaking is taking shape. NEOM, the city of the future, is on the brink of becoming the world’s epicenter for green hydrogen production, setting a bold example for the global energy transition. At the heart of this transformation is the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC), whose ambitious project—backed by $8.4 billion in investments—is poised to reshape energy markets and advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of decarbonization and sustainability.
But what makes NGHC stand out in the fast-evolving landscape of green hydrogen? According to Wesam Alghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, the answer lies in scale and speed. “Hydrogen is widely seen as the fuel of the future,” Alghamdi explains. “What sets us apart at NGHC is the scale of our project, which aims to kickstart hydrogen production on a large scale and accelerate the industry by learning from past experiences.” With 4 GW of integrated wind and solar energy, NGHC’s flagship hydrogen plant will feature 2.2 GW of electrolyzer capacity and produce up to 600 tonnes of carbon-free hydrogen per day by the end of 2026—enough to power 20,000 hydrogen-fueled buses.
NEOM Green Hydrogen Company’s efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions under Vision 2030. The project, currently under construction, covers approximately 300 square kilometers and is designed to contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a top global green hydrogen exporter. “Saudi Arabia is committed to achieving net zero,” says Alghamdi. “We are creating a blueprint for green hydrogen production at scale, and we are proud to be leading one of the world’s largest decarbonization efforts.” By the end of 2026, the project will save up to 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, exporting 1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia to key markets around the world.
One of NGHC’s core strengths lies in its partnerships with ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM—major players who bring complementary expertise. While Air Products leads the industrial gas and hydrogen side of the operation, ACWA Power, with its vast experience in renewable energy, ensures that the plant’s power needs are fully met through sustainable means. NEOM offers the perfect location and infrastructure to develop a green energy hub. This collaboration has resulted in a powerhouse team that’s not just building for the present but laying the foundation for the future. Alghamdi emphasizes, “These partnerships bring synergies that are critical to our success. We’re leveraging specialized skills in development, construction, and eventually, operations.”
As the global race for green hydrogen accelerates, NGHC is positioning itself as a first mover, with significant construction already underway. Over 5 million solar panels and 250 wind turbines are being installed, and in a milestone for the project, the first wind turbines arrived in October 2023. “Unlike many other projects, we’ve been in action for over a year, and we expect production to begin by the end of 2026,” says Alghamdi. NGHC’s unique advantage is that it’s not just planning for the future—it’s actively building it. The early investment in electrolyzer technology, supported by its partners, has allowed NGHC to refine processes and jumpstart operations ahead of the competition.
A supportive ecosystem within Saudi Arabia has also been instrumental in fast-tracking the project. NEOM’s industrial hub, Oxagon, is developing the necessary infrastructure and community facilities for long-term operations. “We’re not just building a plant; we’re building a sustainable ecosystem that will last for decades,” says Alghamdi. When fully operational, the project will create over 300 direct jobs at the plant and over 15,000 jobs during the construction phase.Pull Quote: “We’re not just building a plant; we’re creating a blueprint for the future of green hydrogen at scale.” —Wesam Alghamdi, CEO, NGHC
“We’re not just building a plant; we’re creating a blueprint for the future of green hydrogen at scale.”
Wesam Alghamdi, CEO, NGHC
The ripple effects of NGHC’s success extend far beyond Saudi Arabia. Global industries like steel, cement, and transportation are looking to green hydrogen to help decarbonize heavy operations. “The hydrogen we produce will be ready for sectors like heavy trucks and industrial facilities,” says Alghamdi, “and as global demand grows, our capacity to meet it will grow as well.”
Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power, a key partner in the venture, highlights the magnitude of this effort. “NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is not just a project; it’s a statement to the world that Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of the energy transition. This will redefine how clean energy is produced at scale.”
What sets NEOM Green Hydrogen Company apart from other projects?
Our scale and timing are critical. We’ve been in construction for over a year, and we’re already working with 2.2 gigawatts of electrolyzer capacity—no other project has reached this scale. We’ve also invested early in electrolyzer technology, which is helping us optimize processes before the plant becomes fully operational. This allows us to jumpstart operations and stay ahead of the competition.
How are your partnerships helping to shape the project?
Our collaboration with ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM has created powerful synergies. ACWA Power ensures that our renewable energy needs are met, Air Products brings industrial gas expertise, and NEOM offers the perfect environment for sustainability. These partnerships allow us to build not just a plant, but a long-term blueprint for the green hydrogen industry.
What’s your vision for the future of hydrogen in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is focused on becoming a top global exporter of green hydrogen. We’re playing our part by building the largest green hydrogen plant in the world, ensuring that our product is ready for export to global markets. This is just the beginning—our ambition is to scale and grow as demand for clean hydrogen rises globally.
NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is more than a visionary project; it’s a glimpse into the future of clean energy, where Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role on the global stage. With partnerships, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to Vision 2030, NGHC is set to make hydrogen the fuel that powers the future.
