Saudi Arabia's Clean Hydrogen Journey. Past, present, and future

This chapter introduces Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future energy governance in terms of the stakeholders, policies, and socioeconomic development within and beyond the country’s borders. It explains how the Kingdom’s hydrogen governance has evolved in recent decades. It also explains how renewables-based and low-carbon hydrogen are beginning to play a crucial role in the country’s decarbonization efforts. The main message of this chapter is that in an increasingly carbon-constrained world, hydrogen constitutes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Saudi Arabia to remain a global powerhouse energy producer by replacing oil export-based revenue with clean hydrogen-based income. As part of the Saudi-initiated circular carbon economy approach, the Saudi government must demonstrate strategic anticipation to exploit all opportunities and tackle challenges promptly. Such opportunities and challenges are both discussed in this chapter.