4 GW Renewable Energy Backbone of Saudi Solar City Vision
NEOM’s energy infrastructure is being built to operate entirely on renewable sources, primarily solar and wind. The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project will integrate around 4 GW of combined solar and wind power capacity. This renewable backbone supports NEOM’s goal of becoming a zero-emission city and aligns with the broader Saudi Solar City Vision, which emphasizes clean energy as a foundation for future urban development.
Rather than embedding solar panels into every surface, NEOM’s strategy focuses on large-scale solar farms and wind gardens, complemented by smart grid systems and energy storage. The city’s design aims to optimize energy distribution and reduce waste through AI-driven infrastructure.
$8.5 Billion Hydrogen Investment for 600 Tons Daily Output
NEOM’s green hydrogen facility—developed jointly by NEOM, ACWA Power, and Air Products—is set to become the world’s largest utility-scale hydrogen plant, with a total investment of $8.5 billion. Once operational in 2027, it will produce 600 tons of hydrogen per day via solar-powered electrolysis, slightly below the previously stated 650 tons3.
This hydrogen will be converted into 1.2 million tons of green ammonia annually, enabling clean fuel exports and domestic use across transport, industry, and power generation. The Saudi Solar City Vision places hydrogen at the heart of its decarbonization strategy, not just as a fuel but as a scalable economic asset.
170 km Linear City to Cut Emissions and Commute Time
NEOM’s most iconic development, The Line, will span 170 kilometers and house up to 9 million residents. The city’s linear layout eliminates the need for cars, relying instead on ultra-high-speed transit systems that promise end-to-end travel in under 20 minutes.
While exact carbon reduction figures are still being modeled, NEOM’s compact and vertically integrated design is expected to significantly lower emissions compared to conventional cities. This urban form is central to the Saudi Solar City Vision, which promotes walkability, zero-emission mobility, and minimal land disruption.
95% Land Conservation Commitment for Ecosystem Integrity
NEOM has pledged to preserve 95% of its total land area, which spans 26,500 km², making it one of the most conservation-focused megaprojects globally. The city will include protected marine zones, desert habitats, and green corridors, supported by AI-based environmental monitoring.
This ecological stewardship is a key tenet of the Saudi Solar City Vision, which views biodiversity protection as essential to long-term sustainability. NEOM’s planners aim to balance innovation with preservation, ensuring that development enhances rather than erodes natural ecosystems.
380,000 Jobs and $48 Billion GDP Impact by 2030
NEOM is projected to generate 380,000 jobs and contribute $48 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030, according to Vision 2030 forecasts. These roles will span clean energy, biotech, AI, and advanced manufacturing, positioning NEOM as a magnet for global talent and investment.
The Saudi Solar City Vision is not just an environmental initiative, it’s a strategic economic pivot. By investing in future-ready infrastructure and green technologies, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global leader in sustainable development.
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