ACWA Power, a leading Saudi developer, investor and operator of power generation, water desalination and green H₂ plants worldwide, has finalized a partnership agreement with Verbund, Austria’s leading electricity company, to jointly explore the potential development of green H₂ projects in the Middle East region to produce H₂ to be used by Verbund as a renewable energy source to Central Europe with a primary focus on Austria.

Given its positive environmental implications and capabilities to decarbonize entire industrial sectors, energy sector players around the globe are embarking on ambitious green H₂ projects that will harness their full potential in the decades ahead. To firmly establish the co-operation between ACWA Power and VERBUND, both partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023.

“Today’s announcement is another illustration of our enduring commitment to bring ingenuity and entrepreneurship together to ensure power is generated reliably, responsibly, and sustainably at the global level. In collaboration with Verbund, we are excited to jointly explore the possibilities to deliver green hydrogen to Central Europe with a primary focus on Austria on a consistent basis, which will not only support nations in their energy transition efforts, but also drive social development, industrial advancement, and economic growth across the region. VERBUND is a company that shares our vision for widespread renewables integration and long-term decarbonization – and working with such a like-minded entity will be key to us unlocking the many possibilities that accompany our partnership,” said Mohammad Abunayyan, ACWA Power Chairman.

Produced by electrolysis of water using only renewable energy sources, green hydrogen is one of the most promising solutions for addressing climate change and accelerating carbon-free strategies, with zero CO₂ emissions making it the world’s cleanest, most efficient fuel.

“VERBUND is Austria’s leading energy company and one of the largest producers of hydroelectricity in Europe. With our portfolio of renewable energy production, transportation of electricity and gas as well as energy trading and services we cover the whole energy value chain. Green hydrogen is a logical next step,” said Michael Strugl, CEO, Verbund.

“We are very pleased and excited to announce the cooperation with ACWA Power to jointly explore green hydrogen projects for a sustainable, future-proof energy system,” Strugl added.

Although the collaboration between ACWA Power and VERBUND has only just begun, the two parties are well-positioned to drive project progression quickly, partly due to ACWA Power’s ongoing green H₂ activities and involvement.

The NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, an equal joint-venture between ACWA Power, Air Products and NEOM, is developing the world’s first at scale green H₂ project. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project will produce up to 600 tpd of carbon free green H₂ in the form of green ammonia to be utilized as a cost-effective solution for transportation globally.

Verbund’s technological capabilities and over 75 years of hydropower expertise, combined with ACWA Power’s green H₂ knowledge, experience and operations, will help ensure that the MoU’s objectives, terms and aspirations are met moving forward.