Saudi Arabia’s massive green hydrogen facility set for 2026 startup

As the global energy sector continues to evolve beyond what was previously expected, the future is a lot closer than you might think. Saudi Arabia’s massive green hydrogen facility at its futuristic city, NEOM, has reached a crucial milestone. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is fast-tracking the progress at the world’s most futuristic city, as it has now passed the 80% completion mark. The site will be powered by a massive green hydrogen and ammonia facility that is set for a 2026 startup date.

NEOM Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia has reached an 80% construction completion mark

The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project exemplifies the current evolution of the global energy sector. Over the past decade, the global community has seen a significant increase in the renewable energy sector as the world leaves the coal and gas sectors in the rear-view mirror.

The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project is reaching the 80% completion mark across its vast array of facilities, including its wind garden, solar farm, and transmission grid. The project noted the successful delivery and installation of crucial equipment, including wind turbines, hydrogen storage vessels, electrolyzers, a cold box, and pipe racks.

NEOM Green Hydrogen Company boasts that the project is the world’s largest’ green hydrogen-based ammonia production facility run on renewable energy. The project is an equal production joint venture of ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM. Air Products, which is a US-based company, noted the progress being made.

“The 4 GW solar and wind power generation sites are scheduled for completion by mid-2026, with first ammonia product availability expected in 2027.” – Air Products spokesperson

NEOM Green Hydrogen Company has initiated a major recruitment campaign for the facility

As NEOM nears completion, the project will need to recruit more employees. In that regard, several job openings have been posted by the project management. The facility has cost approximately $8.4 billion to date and will continue to expand its operational readiness as it nears completion.

In 2016, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman announced Saudi Vision 2030, which calls for a more diversified economy, society, and culture in the Kingdom. The CEO of the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company has noted that the project aligns perfectly with the Saudi Vision 2030 policy.

“By bringing together top talent from Saudi Arabia and around the world, we are building a skilled team to deliver the world’s largest green hydrogen plant and kick off operations, setting the stage for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.” – Wesam Alghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company

The green hydrogen and ammonia projects emerging from several nations have catapulted the progress of the sector into the stratosphere, with huge solar-to-hydrogen and ammonia projects being planned in countries like Namibia.

Air Products will be the exclusive 30-year offtaker for the project, and will export the green hydrogen in the form of green ammonia to the international heavy industry and transportation sectors.

A recent summit in Africa brought together stakeholders to accelerate the progress being made in the hydrogen sector

The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project will become an example for the rest of the world’s energy markets. The project will prevent five million metric tonnes per year of carbon emissions, as well as produce up to 600 tonnes per day of carbon-free hydrogen in the form of green ammonia. In line with the global efforts to increase hydrogen production, the sector’s relevant stakeholders came together recently at the World Power-to-X Summit in Morocco to fast-track the progress made in the sector. Hydrogen has been universally recognized as the most promising energy source for the world of tomorrow. The NEOM Green Hydrogen facility is set to be completed by 2026 and will begin producing energy by 2027.