Neom launches new subsidiary to develop sustainable energy and water systems
Launch aligns with Neom’s focus to live in harmony with nature and aims to create a sustainable cycle
Neom has launched Enowa, a new subsidiary which will lead the development of sustainable energy and water systems across its projects. The Saudi firm said work to develop these utilities has begun to provide the critical infrastructure for The Line, Oxagon and Trojena.
According to a statement, Oxagon is actively seeking tenants for its manufacturing hub and the supply of energy and water is essential. Neom said its goal is to ensure all residents and industries within the mega city are powered by affordable 100% renewable energy, and noted this will be the first project in the world that enables this at scale. It will set the stage for other sustainability projects around the world, Neom said.
Enowa is said to represent Neom as the principal shareholder in what’s billed as the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant in an equal joint venture with Air Products and Acwa Power. Coming onstream in 2025, the 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, the statement explained.
“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,” said Engineer Abdulrahman AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and chairman of Enowa.
Neom’s water and wastewater system is designed to be completely sustainable, delivering low-cost water to all residents and businesses. Powered by 100% renewable energy, the advanced desalination plants will not put anything back into the sea and will deliver drinkable, mineralised water to all in Neom, directly to the tap or out of a bottling plant, it noted.
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, Neom remarked.
CEO Nadhmi Al Nasr added, “With the guidance and support of His Royal Highness 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.”
Enowa CEO Peter Terium concluded, “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.”
