Green hydrogen is made through a process called electrolysis. Imagine you have a glass of water. Water is made up of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen. In electrolysis, you can use electricity to split water into two components.

First, we take the water and separate it into two parts by using a device called an electrolyser. This device has two electrodes, one positive and one negative, placed in the water.

When we pass electricity through the water, the positive electrode attracts the negatively charged oxygen ions (called anions), while the negative electrode attracts the positively charged hydrogen ions (called cations). This separation is similar to magnets attracting opposite poles.

As a result, the water molecules break apart. Oxygen gas is released near the positive electrode, and hydrogen gas is released near the negative electrode. These gases are then collected and stored for use.

The hydrogen gas obtained from this process is green hydrogen. It’s green because the electricity we use for electrolysis comes from renewable sources of solar or wind power, which do not produce greenhouse gas emissions.

NGHC’s location at Oxagon, in NEOM, is the ideal spot for our facility thanks to the abundant natural resources and strategic location for global shipping.

NGHC’s plant will be connected to reliable, sustainable sources of renewable energy from our onshore solar and wind gardens located at Aqaba and Shiqri. This electricity will be carried through our own electricity grid to the green hydrogen production facility.

NGHC’s green hydrogen will be exported for use in global markets, from our prime location close to global shipping lanes at the crossroads of world distribution.

We also benefit from proximity to the Port of NEOM, which will be an important part of our supply chain network for importing required components during construction and maintenance.

Hydrogen is mostly provided in a gaseous state for end-use applications, which is difficult to transport except over short distances via pipeline. The best way for NGHC to supply our green hydrogen to markets around the world is to convert green hydrogen to green ammonia.

NGHC is building its own jetty for the direct transfer of green ammonia to tanker ships, conveniently close to global shipping lanes at the crossroads of world distribution. Upon arrival, it is then converted back to gaseous hydrogen for end users through a chemical process known as cracking.

We embarked on the project with support from three innovative shareholders – ACWA Power, Air Product and NEOM. Our partners are the foremost experts in the fields of hydrogen, energy, renewables and global networks, with over 80 years of combined experience.

The support of our partners has allowed NGHC to start project planning at an early stage, which has been critical to our success and has enabled significant progress on the ground.

The other unique strength of NGHC’s project is our agreement with Air Products – who are a shareholder, our EPC contractor and also the off-taker of 100% of our green hydrogen, exported as green ammonia, for a 30-year period.

With the involvement of these three innovators and market leaders, NGHC is playing an instrumental role in the global energy transition through the power of collaboration.

Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its energy mix away from fossil fuels, reduce its dependence on oil and increase the share of renewable energy in power generation under Vision 2030.

By harnessing the power of both nature and technology, NGHC will support the Kingdom’s climate mandate by enabling the large-scale adoption of green hydrogen and ushering in a new sustainable clean energy era.

NGHC will supply 600 tons per day of carbon-free hydrogen for transportation globally, saving the world up to 5 million tons of CO₂ per year.

The clear support we have received from the local, regional, and international financial institutions demonstrates the viability of our business case and provides a blueprint for others to follow. Already, the region boasts significant advantages for enabling large-scale green hydrogen production, with available land and abundant access to wind and sun.

Over many decades, Saudi Arabia has played a key role as a global producer and exporter of energy. As the demand for clean energy increases, the Kingdom has an opportunity to assume a leadership position in the field of green hydrogen, as well as establish world-class infrastructure and internationally recognised certification systems. NGHC is a pioneer of this Saudi vision.

NGHC is hiring the best local and global talent, creating 300 direct jobs when the plant is fully operational. From R&D, engineering and project management to business development, operations, maintenance and much more, there are many areas where we are creating career opportunities in green hydrogen.

The need for clean, renewable energy has never been greater. Demand will only increase in the years ahead – and green hydrogen will assume a starring role, opening new and exciting career paths for many people both from within the Kingdom and internationally.