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

NEOM announced the launch of its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will lead the development of NEOM's world-class, sustainable energy and water systems. (Twitter)
NEOM announced the launch of its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will lead the development of NEOM's world-class, sustainable energy and water systems. (Twitter)
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NEOM Launches ENOWA to Accelerate Development of World-Class Energy and Water Systems

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

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.

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Saudi Arabia Revises Q1 Economic Growth Estimate Up to 3.4%

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Revises Q1 Economic Growth Estimate Up to 3.4%

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics has revised its annual economic growth figures for the Kingdom for the first quarter of 2025 to 3.4%, up from a preliminary estimate of 2.7% released in May, underscoring the resilience of non-oil sectors in driving economic momentum.

Seasonally adjusted data showed real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.1% in the first quarter compared to the final three months of 2024, according to the updated figures.

The figures showed non-oil activities as the true driver behind Saudi Arabia’s economic expansion.

Non-oil sectors surged 4.9% year-on-year, up from 4.2% in the May preliminary reading, and grew 1.0% quarter-on-quarter, contributing 2.8 percentage points to overall real GDP growth.

This robust growth reflects the impact of massive government investments in infrastructure projects and development initiatives, alongside efforts to boost the private sector.

In contrast, oil sector activities saw a slight decline of 0.5% year-on-year and 1.2% quarter-on-quarter, primarily due to the Kingdom’s voluntary production cuts.

Despite this contraction, the negative impact on overall growth remained limited to just 0.1 percentage points, underscoring the economy’s ability to offset oil sector weakness through other areas.

Government activities also recorded solid growth, rising 3.2% year-on-year and 5.5% compared to the previous quarter.

Most non-oil economic activities recorded robust positive growth rates in the first quarter of 2025.

Wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels posted the highest growth at 8.4% year-on-year, reflecting a booming tourism and entertainment sector alongside rising private consumer spending.

Transport, storage, and communications grew by 6.0% year-on-year, highlighting advancements in the Kingdom’s logistics and digital infrastructure.

Financial services, insurance, and business services expanded 5.5% year-on-year, indicating maturation of the financial and service sectors.

The data underscore the pivotal role of government investments and consumer spending in sustaining this growth. Gross fixed capital formation rose 8.5% annually, signaling continued funding for major projects and urban development.

Meanwhile, government final consumption expenditure increased by 5.2%, with private final consumption up 4.5% year-on-year.

Non-oil exports, including re-exports, surged 13.4% year-on-year in Q1 2025, while oil exports declined 8.4% over the same period, according to official figures released in May.

These revised estimates come amid efforts by the General Authority for Statistics to align closely with international standards and enhance data quality.

The authority undertook a comprehensive update of GDP estimates, applying the global moving-average methodology and collecting detailed 2023 data through expanded statistical surveys, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

This strong non-oil-driven growth highlights Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience and adaptability in a changing global landscape, reinforcing its steady path toward the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

In its latest World Economic Outlook report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast Saudi Arabia’s GDP growth at 3.0% for 2025, a downward revision from its January estimate of 3.3%. The IMF also cut its 2026 growth forecast by 0.4 percentage points to 3.7%.

Jihad Azour, IMF Director for the Middle East and Central Asia, told Asharq Al-Awsat last month that Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience enables it to weather fluctuations in global oil prices.

He noted the Kingdom’s substantial financial reserves provide a strong buffer against external shocks. These reserves, combined with ongoing structural reforms under Vision 2030, have significantly strengthened Saudi Arabia’s capacity to adapt.

Azour added that reforms have not only bolstered economic resilience but also effectively diversified income sources and increased the contribution of non-oil sectors to GDP.

This shift toward developing promising sectors reduces reliance on oil revenues and fosters sustainable new economic opportunities.