NEOM's circular energy production plan key to sustainability, says NOMAC’s official

NOMAC is spearheading independent operations and maintenance services for the power and desalination industry in Ƶ. 
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RIYADH: Circularity in electricity production is crucial for ensuring sustainability in Ƶ's 500-billion futuristic city of NEOM, said Thorsten Schwarz from the project's subsidary company responsible for sustainable energy and water systems, ENOWA.

Power will be generated using both water and hydrogen in the city.

While speaking at a virtual conference during the MEA Energy Week, Schwarz — who is executive director of grid technology and projects at ENOWA — said that sustainability is not just about environmental protection, but is also a human need. 

He admitted that First National Operation and Maintenance Company, known as NOMAC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACWA Power, is seeing some disruptions due to the traditional design of grids, which are challenging to NEOM’s concept. 

NOMAC is spearheading independent operations and maintenance services for the power and desalination industry in Ƶ. 

He further noted that NEOM has currently positioned itself as a human progress destination. 

Schwarz revealed that the renewable energy transition in NEOM will happen in phases, and will finally reach the 100 percent renewable target in 2030. 

Talking about the usage of renewable energy sources in NEOM, he said: “In NEOM, we will start 50 percent renewable from day one, up to 100 percent in 2030 or earlier as possible.” 

He also added that blockchain technology should be also activated in NEOM to achieve sustainability goals. 

NEOM is one of Ƶ’s flagship projects aimed at transforming the Kingdom, as it plans to move away from an oil-dependent economy, outlined in its Vision 2030. 

Aimed at functioning as a tourist destination, NEOM will be a smart city, adopting all advanced technologies.

One of the main highlights of the NEOM project is The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city which will have 1 million citizens without conventional cars, no streets, and no carbon emissions.

Other notable highlights in the NEOM project include NEOM Bay, NEOM Bay Airport, and NEOM Industrial City.