Saudi Arabia Sees Germany as Gateway for Green Hydrogen Exports to Europe

 The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project. (NEOM)
The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project. (NEOM)
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Saudi Arabia Sees Germany as Gateway for Green Hydrogen Exports to Europe

 The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project. (NEOM)
The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project. (NEOM)

Saudi Arabia is expanding its green hydrogen and ammonia production and export to Europe. The latest move comes after the Kingdom’s ACWA Power and Germany’s SEFE signed a deal to produce and export these products to Europe.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh, with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and German Finance Minister Jörg Kukies in attendance.

Saudi Arabia regularly signs agreements with European countries to export its clean energy products. In January, ACWA Power also signed an MoU with Italy’s Snam to explore opportunities for a green hydrogen supply chain from Saudi Arabia to Europe.

Under the new agreement, ACWA Power will be the main developer, investor and operator of green hydrogen and ammonia production, while SEFE will be a co-investor and main buyer, responsible for selling the green hydrogen to customers in Germany and Europe.

Prince Abdulaziz and Kukies discussed key energy issues and clean hydrogen efforts between the two countries, building on a 2021 agreement.

Saudi Arabia is developing the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project, which will become the world’s largest facility for producing green ammonia and hydrogen using renewable energy.

When completed in 2026, the plant will produce 600 metric tons of clean hydrogen daily through electrolysis and will generate 1.2 million metric tons of green ammonia annually.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabban, former senior advisor to Saudi Arabia’s oil minister, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the partnership between the Saudi and German companies shows a strong interest in green hydrogen and ammonia, clean products aimed at European markets. SEFE will buy and market these products in those countries.

He said this is an important step to add value to Saudi Arabia’s green hydrogen and ammonia production, which will be exported globally. It will also help boost the country’s non-oil economy and support its climate change goals.

Energy expert and former OPEC information director Fuad Al-Zayer noted that Saudi Arabia plans to source 50% of its energy from renewables. The Kingdom’s location and the NEOM project give it a competitive edge in green hydrogen production.

Saudi Arabia has the right conditions for producing green hydrogen at low costs and is positioned to lead globally, Al-Zayer stressed to Asharq Al-Awsat.

He added that European countries, especially Germany, are looking for alternatives to oil and gas.

Germany, with its hydrogen strategy, is seeking reliable and affordable sources.

In 2022, Germany opened a hydrogen diplomacy office in Riyadh to explore these opportunities and strengthen cooperation. Al-Zayer said Saudi Arabia aims to export all forms of energy, aligning with both countries’ goals.



Royal Commission for Riyadh City Announces 'Riyadh Creative District'

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Royal Commission for Riyadh City Announces 'Riyadh Creative District'

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced the launch of the “Riyadh Creative District,” a transformative initiative that aims to position the Saudi capital as a global creative and media hub while reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in the creative economy.

The new project is set to become a cornerstone in Riyadh’s evolution into a world-class metropolis, integrating seamlessly with the capital’s major development initiatives, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The project aims to foster a thriving ecosystem where creative minds, industry leaders, and emerging talent can collaborate to develop content and new ideas, drive cultural and technological advancements, and contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Creative District aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategic vision by emphasizing the role of media, technology, culture and innovation in economic diversification and sustainable growth.

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and CEO of RCRC Eng. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, for their continued support of the commission’s projects, which are pivotal in shaping the future of Riyadh and enhancing its global competitiveness.

“The Riyadh Creative District is designed to be a vital extension of the capital’s creative, cultural, and economic landscape, reinforcing the city’s status as a dynamic hub for content creation and innovation. Through this initiative, we are not only establishing an inspiring space for creative industries to thrive, but also providing a gateway for global talent to engage with the Kingdom’s creative economy,” he said.

“This initiative embodies Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking vision to cultivate a knowledge-based society, and develop a globally integrated creative sector that generates sustainable economic and social impact,” he added.

A key milestone in the project’s launch is the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between RCRC and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), ensuring a structured and integrated approach to its implementation. This collaboration is expected to catalyze the expansion of the creative industries in Saudi Arabia, bridging the gap between local and international expertise and fostering cross-sector innovation.

The Creative District is set to redefine the role of creativity in economic development, by offering a dynamic platform that connects designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and technology pioneers. It will serve as an incubator for new business models, cultural enterprises, and digital transformation projects, ultimately reinforcing Riyadh’s position as the regional epicenter for creative excellence.

Beyond GDP contributions, the district will play a crucial role in cultural exchange and community engagement by hosting interactive programs, industry events, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that empower emerging talent and facilitate the exchange of ideas. Its impact is expected to extend beyond Riyadh, influencing the broader Middle East creative ecosystem and elevating the Kingdom’s standing as a destination for investment in the creative economy.

Aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Creative District underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a globally competitive creative sector, that not only boosts the quality of life but also drives innovation-led economic transformation. By offering a supportive environment for creatives, startups, and established enterprises, the district is poised to shape the future of creative industries in Saudi Arabia, offering new employment opportunities, accelerating digital adoption, and laying the groundwork for a knowledge-driven economy.

With a focus on sustainability and long-term impact, the Creative District will also contribute to Riyadh’s broader urban transformation, integrating smart infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable design principles to create an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish. The Creative District will be instrumental in attracting both regional and international investment in the creative industries, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global creative and cultural advancements.

As Riyadh continues its journey toward becoming a premier global destination for business, culture, and innovation, the Creative District will serve as a testament to the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to fostering talent, advancing creative industries, and building a prosperous future driven by ingenuity, collaboration, and forward-thinking policies.