ACWA Power: Necessary Studies Underway for Green Hydrogen Project in Egypt

Hydrogen is an important source of clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. (Reuters)
Hydrogen is an important source of clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. (Reuters)
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ACWA Power: Necessary Studies Underway for Green Hydrogen Project in Egypt

Hydrogen is an important source of clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. (Reuters)
Hydrogen is an important source of clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. (Reuters)

Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ACWA Power Saudi Arabia Raad Al-Saady revealed that necessary studies to develop the green hydrogen project in Egypt were underway.  

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Saady stressed that Saudi Arabia has enormous potential to export hydrogen thanks to its strategic location and rich natural resources, including vast areas, an abundance of solar energy and wind power, which all make it a leading force in producing and exporting green hydrogen to all parts of the world.  

In December, ACWA Power signed a framework agreement with Egypt to develop the first phase of the green hydrogen project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, with a total investment exceeding $4 billion.  

Al-Saady explained that the first phase of the project includes developing green ammonia with a capacity of 600,000 tons annually, with the aim to reach a production of two million tons per year in the second phase of the project.  

He added that ACWA Power aims to become a major exporter of green hydrogen in the world, with a special focus on Europe and the Middle East.  

He noted that the Kingdom was progressing steadily towards achieving sustainability goals and diversifying energy sources, through the implementation of major projects within the framework of Vision 2030 with the aim to reach net zero emissions by 2060.  

He added that Saudi Arabia has all the elements that will push it to achieve great success in the green hydrogen sector in the near future, citing the NEOM green hydrogen project, which has a production capacity of 1.2 million tons annually of green ammonia.

Al-Saady stressed that ACWA Power was seeking to reach zero emissions by 2050, explaining that the company is working to develop multiple projects to generate solar energy in different parts of the Kingdom, which contribute significantly to attaining the goals of sustainability and development in the region.  

He added that such projects create new job opportunities, in addition to helping in the development of local content in the energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen sectors.  

ACWA Power, which was established in 2004, is currently present in 12 countries, and its portfolio includes 81 stations under operation or construction, or in advanced stages of development, with an investment value of SAR 317.8 billion ($84.7 billion).



Kuwait Seeks to Offer Flexible Incentives to Attract Foreign Investments

Kuwait City (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
Kuwait City (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
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Kuwait Seeks to Offer Flexible Incentives to Attract Foreign Investments

Kuwait City (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
Kuwait City (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)

Mohammad Yaqoub, Assistant Director General for Business Development at Kuwait’s Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), announced that Kuwait is actively working to boost investments in emerging sectors such as the management of government facilities, hospitals, and ports, including Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port.

He added that his country is collaborating with Saudi Arabia on joint projects, notably the development of a railway linking the two nations.

Speaking at the 28th Annual Global Investment Conference in Riyadh, Yaqoub highlighted the 650-kilometer railway project, which is expected to cut travel time between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to under three hours. He clarified that this initiative is separate from the broader GCC railway network under development.

The official further emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to offering streamlined processes and incentives to attract foreign investment in critical sectors such as oil and gas, healthcare, education, and technology.

Since January 2015, the Gulf country has attracted cumulative foreign investments valued at approximately 1.7 billion Kuwaiti dinars ($5.8 billion). During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, KDIPA reported foreign investment inflows amounting to 206.9 million Kuwaiti dinars ($672 million).

Yaqoub stressed that KDIPA is focused on creating an investor-friendly environment by offering flexible incentives to attract international companies. He noted Saudi Arabia’s achievements in this area and highlighted his country’s efforts to provide comparable benefits to foreign investors.

He also expressed optimism about the potential for growth in foreign investments in Kuwait, emphasizing their role in advancing economic development in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Yaqoub also underscored the strong synergy between the Kuwaiti and Saudi markets, which he said will help accelerate economic progress across the region.