NEOM Green Hydrogen Company Forges Three-Year Partnership with Fahd bin Sultan University to Cultivate Clean Energy Talent

Strategic Alliance to Bolster Saudi Arabia's Clean Energy Workforce

The NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC) has officially entered into a three-year strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fahd bin Sultan University. Signed in late December 2025 or early January 2026 at the university's campus in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, the collaboration is designed to foster talent development, advance research, and provide specialized technical training crucial for the Kingdom's rapidly expanding clean energy and hydrogen industries.

The agreement was formalized by Professor Dr. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Hussein from Fahd bin Sultan University and Wesam Alghamdi, Chief Executive Officer of NGHC. This partnership underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to transitioning towards a knowledge-based economy and strengthening local capabilities in renewable energy.

NGHC's Green Hydrogen Plant Nears Completion

The signing of this MoU comes at a pivotal time for NGHC, as its world-leading green hydrogen plant, located at Oxagon in NEOM, is nearing completion. Reports indicate that 90% of construction across all project sites—including the green hydrogen facility, wind garden, solar farm, and transmission grid—is now complete. The project is transitioning from construction into the testing and commissioning phases, with full operations anticipated to begin with solar and wind power generation by mid-2026 and the first green ammonia product availability expected in 2027.

Once fully operational, the facility is projected to produce up to 600 tonnes per day of carbon-free hydrogen, which will be converted into green ammonia for global transportation and industrial sectors. NGHC is a joint venture between ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM.

Comprehensive Programs for Future Energy Leaders

The three-year framework outlines a comprehensive approach to talent development, including:

• Training programs and specialized technical development.
• Academic research initiatives and scientific events.
• A bridging program enabling diploma graduates to pursue bachelor's degrees.
• Exchange of expertise between both organizations.
• Opportunities for students to access practical training, employment pathways, workshops, and seminars.

Courses offered through this collaboration will cover a wide range of industry-relevant skills, such as technical and administrative training, engineering and technician programs, occupational health and safety modules, and specialized content in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies. Wesam Alghamdi emphasized that 'Our collaboration with Fahd bin Sultan University represents an important step in building the skills and knowledge required for this new industry,' and that 'This partnership will empower young Saudis with a strong technical foundation, practical experience and exposure to the innovations shaping the global hydrogen sector.'

Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030

This strategic alliance aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a global leader in clean energy. Professor Dr. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Hussein stated that the agreement reflects the university's commitment to aligning education with the needs of future industries, and that 'Working alongside NGHC allows us to expand opportunities for our students and ensure they are prepared to contribute to the Kingdom's ambitions in renewable energy, sustainability and technological leadership.' The partnership is expected to play a long-term role in strengthening local capabilities in the Tabuk region and contributing to Saudi Arabia's clean energy transition and economic diversification goals.