According to the media report, the world’s largest green hydrogen plant, currently under construction in Saudi Arabia, is on track to begin production by December 2026, according to the CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC).
Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NGHC, confirmed that the project is now 60% complete, highlighting its unprecedented scale. The plant will operate entirely on solar and wind power, using a 2.2 gigawatt electrolyzer designed to produce hydrogen continuously, reported Arab News.
Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is seen as a crucial solution for cutting global carbon emissions, as its production process releases no greenhouse gases. The fuel has broad applications, particularly in sectors like heavy transport and steel manufacturing, where traditional methods are heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Despite challenges related to cost and scalability, green hydrogen is gaining momentum as a key alternative to conventional energy sources as industries and nations strive to decarbonize.
Al-Ghamdi pointed to Saudi Arabia’s abundant solar and wind resources as a key competitive advantage for the project. The country’s renewable energy capacity helps lower production costs, making green hydrogen more commercially viable. “We have the abundance of solar and wind, so we have that renewable power competitive advantage,” he said, adding that the large-scale nature of the NEOM project enables highly efficient production at a cost level few can match globally.
NGHC has secured a 30-year offtake agreement with Air Products, ensuring a reliable export pathway for its hydrogen, which will be converted into ammonia for easier transport and distribution. The plant is strategically located in NEOM, part of Saudi Arabia’s northwest Red Sea development zone, which benefits from consistent solar and wind resources.
The project is also a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from oil and into sectors like renewable energy, technology, and tourism. Al-Ghamdi emphasized that NGHC is not only focused on hydrogen production but also on fostering local expertise. More than 60% of the workforce at NGHC is Saudi, with a combination of experienced professionals and recent graduates. The company is partnering with Saudi universities and launching training programs to build a skilled workforce for the long-term operation of the facility.
In addition, NGHC has established a 10-year research and development collaboration with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp to optimize electrolyzer technology. The installation of the first electrolyzer, which will be operational before the plant’s full-scale launch, is expected to provide valuable operational insights, allowing NGHC to streamline production processes and reduce costs.
As interest in green hydrogen intensifies globally, Al-Ghamdi believes NEOM’s project is particularly well-positioned to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s natural advantages. “We have the scale, location, and partnerships in place that give us a significant lead,” he said, describing the project as a model for Saudi Arabia’s broader renewable energy ambitions and a central part of the Vision 2030 transformation.
