© Enowa

HRS (Hydrogen Refueling Solutions), a leading French designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, has partnered with Enowa, the energy and water subsidiary of NEOM, to establish Saudi Arabia’s first heavy-duty hydrogen refueling station. This milestone marks significant progress in the region’s green hydrogen ambitions, positioning NEOM as a hub for hydrogen-powered mobility solutions.

State-of-the-Art Facility

Located at Petromin’s Heavy Machinery & Truck Service Center, the new refueling station is a key element of NEOM’s vision for a zero-emission public transport system. The station supports a wide range of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including buses, passenger cars, and specialized trucks. With dual-pressure refueling capabilities, it operates at both 350 and 700 bar, ensuring compatibility with various vehicle types.

Rapid Deployment and Operational Success

The project became operational within 12 weeks of the agreement, showcasing HRS’s readiness and swift execution. By September 2024, the station had dispensed nearly 500 kilograms of hydrogen, making an immediate impact on advancing hydrogen mobility in the Middle East. HRS’s refueling solutions include a compression capacity of 14 kg H2 per hour and scalability up to four tons per day, catering to large-scale sustainable mobility needs.

Leadership Perspectives

Peter Terium, CEO of Enowa, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are delighted to partner with HRS to provide hydrogen-powered mobility solutions. Together, we will accelerate innovations in clean technologies powered by green hydrogen and contribute to hydrogen mobility markets,” he said.

Hassen Rachedi, CEO and founder of HRS, echoed this sentiment. “We are truly proud to be part of NEOM’s vision to develop the land of the future. Our collaboration with Enowa represents our mission to promote sustainable mobility worldwide, and together we will accelerate innovations in clean energy technologies,” he noted.

Efficient and Versatile Refueling

The station can refuel multiple buses with 35 kg H2 tanks at 700 bar in under 20 minutes, even in 31°C temperatures. Passenger vehicles are also supported at 700 bar, while specialized trucks and equipment benefit from refueling at both 350 and 700 bar. This versatility and efficiency make the station a cornerstone of NEOM’s sustainable transport infrastructure.

Commitment to Local Expertise

In addition to installation, HRS has invested in local expertise by recruiting and training an on-site maintenance technician, Laïd Laroui, to ensure smooth and sustainable operations. This commitment to local capacity building underscores the project’s long-term sustainability.

A Model for Future Collaborations

As the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, this hydrogen refueling station represents a critical step towards NEOM’s green hydrogen goals. The partnership between HRS and Enowa serves as a model for future collaborations aimed at promoting sustainable energy and mobility solutions on a global scale.