ENOWA to expedite NEOM’s sustainable, smart energy & water initiatives

By Salma C, Intern Reporter
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ENOWA by NEOM Image
Representational Image. | Image Courtesy: NEOM Newsroom

Saudi Arabia’s megacity project NEOM has unveiled its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will accelerate the development of NEOM’s world-class, sustainable and smart energy and water systems.

Work on developing these utilities has already begun to provide the critical infrastructure for NEOM’s key projects namely; THE LINE, its revolutionary urban development, OXAGON, its revised industrial city and TROJENA, its sustainable mountain tourism destination.

OXAGON has been actively seeking tenants for its manufacturing hub, and supply of energy and water is essential.

NEOM’s mission is to ensure 100% renewable energy for all NEOM residents and businesses. This will be the world’s first project to enable it on a scale, and NEOM will provide a platform for other sustainable projects around the world.

ENOWA represents NEOM as a major shareholder in the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant in a joint venture with Air Products and ACWA Power. The upcoming Green Hydrogen plant is expected to be the first of many similar plants to make NEOM a hub for green hydrogen production and innovation. Green hydrogen will be exported and used in NEOM for a variety of solutions, including fueling clean, autonomous electric vehicles.

Run on 100 percent renewable energy, Neom’s water and sewage system will deliver water at affordable rates to all residents and businesses in NEOM. Designed entirely sustainably, the innovative desalination plants will be leaving nothing to the sea. They will provide mineralized drinkable water directly through the tap or from the bottling plant to residents of NEOM.

In addition to the purification process, it is planned to produce valuable substances from seawater. The output of the desalination process is usually waste, but ENOWA plans to produce substantial quantities of valuable and industrial substances such as industrial-grade salt, magnesium and potassium, which can be sold commercially and effectively.

Commenting on the new initiative, H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of ENOWA, stated that “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.”

Nadhmi Al-Nasr Image
Nadhmi Al-Nasr
CEO – NEOM

“With the guidance and support of HRH 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 percent renewable energy and with abundant water for residential and commercial needs.”

Mr. Al Nasr further added that, “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.”

For his part, Mr. Peter Terium, CEO of ENOWA, added: “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, without legacy infrastructure, places innovation at the heart of ENOWA. It will serve as a stimulus and incubator for new companies that are wholly-owned or joint ventures.

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

Related: UAE, Switzerland join to explore ways to improve smart city facilities

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