NDF Helps Finance World's Largest Green Hydrogen Project with SAR 10.3 Bln

Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund (NDF), through its supervised entities, has contributed to the financing of the largest green hydrogen production plant in the world that will be established in Oxagon city at NEOM. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund (NDF), through its supervised entities, has contributed to the financing of the largest green hydrogen production plant in the world that will be established in Oxagon city at NEOM. (SPA)
TT

NDF Helps Finance World's Largest Green Hydrogen Project with SAR 10.3 Bln

Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund (NDF), through its supervised entities, has contributed to the financing of the largest green hydrogen production plant in the world that will be established in Oxagon city at NEOM. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund (NDF), through its supervised entities, has contributed to the financing of the largest green hydrogen production plant in the world that will be established in Oxagon city at NEOM. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund (NDF), through its supervised entities, has contributed to the financing of the largest green hydrogen production plant in the world that will be established in Oxagon city at NEOM.

The initiative is part of the efforts of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) and the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) -under establishment-, along with local and international banks, to advance green and sustainable solutions in the Kingdom, with financing exceeding SAR 10.3 billion (USD 2.7 billion), said the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The project is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to shift to clean energy and meet the growing demand for energy globally. Green hydrogen represents one of the most prominent investments for the Kingdom as it leads a new chapter into the future.

The National Development Fund aims to promote sustainability and enable Saudi Vision 2030 for a greener future by leveraging its expertise in development financing and delivering contributions to the Kingdom's ambitious goal to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2060.

The green hydrogen project, NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC), is a significant milestone in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and leveraging renewable energy sources, NGHC produces hydrogen through electrolysis, mitigating carbon emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Located in Oxagon, in Saudia Arabia’s region of NEOM, NGHC will boast an impressive production capacity of 600 tons per day of carbon-free hydrogen by the end of 2026, offering a multitude of applications across various sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy integration. The project positions the Kingdom as a global frontrunner in the green hydrogen sector, fostering economic growth and creating high-value job opportunities.

“We are proud to be part of this historic and transformative project, which will undoubtedly pave the way for the large-scale adoption of green hydrogen as a clean, sustainable energy source,” said Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Vice Chairman of the Board of NDF.

“Our involvement in financing NGHC's mega-plant further underscores our commitment to actively support innovative technologies and projects that drive sustainable development and contribute to a carbon-free future,” he added.

The initiative comes with strategic financing provided by the SIDF, in line with its role in promoting industrial investment opportunities and developing the industrial sector. In addition to financing provided by the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), which is the project’s largest single financier, to promote its role in supporting infrastructure projects in vital sectors.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
TT

Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.