NEOM Launches ENOWA to Accelerate Development of World-Class Energy and Water Systems

NEOM announced on Monday the launch of its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will lead the development of NEOM's world-class, sustainable energy and water systems.

Work to develop these utilities has begun to provide the critical infrastructure for NEOM's key projects: THE LINE, its revolutionary urban development; OXAGON, its reimagined industrial city; and TROJENA, its sustainable mountain tourism destination. OXAGON is actively seeking tenants for its manufacturing hub, and supply of energy and water is essential.

NEOM's goal is to ensure all residents and industries in NEOM are powered by affordable 100% renewable energy. This will be the first project in the world that enables this at scale, and NEOM will set the stage for other sustainability projects around the world.

ENOWA represents NEOM as the principal shareholder in the world's largest green hydrogen production plant in an equal joint venture with Air Products and ACWA Power. Coming onstream in 2025, the green hydrogen plant is expected to be the first of several similar plants to make NEOM a hub for green hydrogen production and innovation. The green hydrogen will be exported and used in NEOM for a variety of solutions, including fueling clean, autonomous electric vehicles.

NEOM's water and wastewater system is designed to be completely sustainable, delivering low-cost water to all residents and businesses in NEOM. Powered by 100% renewable energy, the advanced desalination plants will not put anything back into the sea and will deliver drinkable, mineralized water to all in NEOM, directly to the tap or out of a bottling plant.

A significant element of the desalination process is planned to be the production of valuable materials from seawater. The output of desalination, brine, is usually waste, but ENOWA plans to produce significant quantities of valuable, industrial materials such as industrial-grade salt, magnesium, and potassium, which can be sold commercially and effectively.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of ENOWA Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadley said: "NEOM is committed to sustainability and the creation of a circular economy. This lies at the heart of the project, and it is vital to the nation too. It is central to Vision 2030 and the nation's goal for net zero emissions by 2060. The creation of ENOWA is a significant development for NEOM and the nation, and it will be the blueprint for developments elsewhere for years to come."

CEO of NEOM Nadhmi Al-Nasr, stated: "With the guidance and support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we are working to make significant global impact through our businesses, projects and our subsidiaries. We welcome new investors and partners to collaborate with us through ENOWA and to help create a circular economy at scale powered by 100% renewable energy and with abundant water for residential and commercial needs."

"ENOWA’s innovative approach will create the blueprint for new, sustainable industries in Saudi Arabia whilst creating a vibrant economic sector. As a trendsetter, ENOWA will become the benchmark for integrated sustainable energy, water and hydrogen systems and extend its approach to other industries to grow the sustainability marketplace both in the region and abroad.”

Peter Terium, CEO of ENOWA, said: "Aligned with NEOM's approach to living in harmony with nature, our new company works in partnership with its environment to create a sustainable cycle. This will provide the resources to power a thriving, sustainable economy."

"Our vision is being brought to life by some of the best minds in the world, leaders in their respective fields, supported by the latest technology and innovation. We cannot and will not be able to do it alone. The challenges the world faces need global collaboration and we look forward to working with leaders around the world in the energy, hydrogen and water industries to drive innovation forward together."

NEOM's greenfield site, with no legacy infrastructure, puts innovation at the heart of ENOWA. It will serve as a catalyst and incubator for new companies, which can be wholly owned, or joint ventures.

ENOWA forms an integral part of NEOM's success. As NEOM pushes the boundaries of environmental sustainability through renewable energy and the treatment and management of water, it is rapidly becoming a global reference point for industry leaders.

As the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies, experts warn that direct US involvement could trigger a dangerous escalation, most notably, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint.

If Iran were to follow through on this long-standing threat, the consequences would be severe, cutting off roughly 20% of the world’s oil exports and 30% of global natural gas shipments.

Russian strategic analyst Andrey Ontikov told Asharq Al-Awsat that fears remain real and growing, particularly if the war expands.

If the United States is drawn into the war alongside Israel, the likelihood of Iran moving to close the Strait of Hormuz becomes the most serious and effective threat, he said.

Ontikov explained that such a move would paralyze global energy flows from the Gulf, sending oil and gas prices soaring and inflicting major economic damage on both exporting and importing nations.

The resulting disruption would directly affect international shipping, raise transport and insurance costs, and cause energy prices to spike, further straining already fragile global supply chains, he added.

He also warned that broader geopolitical implications are at stake. A regional war involving the Strait of Hormuz could jeopardize key trade corridors, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Russia’s North-South transport corridor.

That would have a direct economic impact on both Beijing and Moscow, forcing countries to look urgently for alternative trade routes, Ontikov said.

Oil prices are already rising, though Ontikov believes that if tensions ease, the global economic impact could be contained. However, a prolonged or widened war would paint a far more troubling picture.

Saudi economic expert Dr. Ibrahim Alomar, head of Sharah Consulting, echoed these concerns.

“If the conflict stays limited, the effects may include a temporary $10–$20 increase in oil prices and limited disruption to financial and shipping markets,” he said. “But a broader war could push oil prices above $120, causing inflation and a sharp global economic slowdown.”

Alomar warned that in the worst-case scenario - where the Strait of Hormuz is fully closed - oil prices could skyrocket past $200, triggering hyperinflation, severe recession, and a collapse in global financial markets.

“Such a scenario could ultimately reshape the global economic system, depending on who emerges least damaged from the crisis,” he concluded.

NEOM Launches ENOWA to Accelerate Development of World-Class Energy and Water Systems