Saudi Arabia signs a non-binding MoU with the UAE-based GO Energy to develop pilot projects for green hydrogen and ammonia production, marking a significant step in the region’s energy diversification pursuit under Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia is making a pretty significant move in its push toward renewable energy, with the recent signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Saudi Arabian Refineries Company (SARCO) and the UAE-based GO Energy Company. Basically, this agreement sets the groundwork for a joint technical and feasibility study—to see if large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production could work within the Kingdom. The idea is to develop a legal framework that spells out how both partners will work together, with the MoU remaining valid for a year from its signing in October 2025.
Honestly, this aligns pretty closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s energy sources beyond just oil and gas. The Kingdom is aiming to produce about 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and wants to become a major exporter of green hydrogen — targeting about 1.2 million tonnes annually by the end of the decade. These ambitions are part of the National Renewable Energy Program and fit within Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of hitting net-zero emissions by 2060.
Of course, many details are still under wraps—like where exactly the projects might be located or what specific technologies will be used. But the focus on green hydrogen and green ammonia makes sense, especially since storing and transporting hydrogen directly can be tricky. Ammonia, on the other hand, offers a cheaper and more practical way to export hydrogen over long distances. This is especially relevant for building export routes to Europe and Asia. That said, whether these projects will succeed depends on factors like electrolysis costs, renewable energy prices, and the ability to lock in offtake agreements.
SARCO, which has traditionally been all about refining and petrochemicals, seems to be branching out into clean energy. The partnership with GO Energy—whose expertise is in renewables and hydrogen projects—clearly indicates both companies are keen on positioning themselves in the regional low-carbon market and exploring new business opportunities together. As SARCO’s officials have emphasized, this MoU doesn’t involve immediate investments; it’s more about laying the groundwork for future possibilities.
Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s green hydrogen plans are already taking shape with projects like NEOM’s massive $8.4 billion green hydrogen plant, which is set to become one of the world’s largest and should be online by late 2026. The SARCO-GO Energy collaboration could complement such initiatives by looking into smaller or modular production setups, possibly using existing industrial sites and refining infrastructure within the Kingdom.
This kind of bilateral agreement fits into a broader trend across the Gulf region — moving from general strategies to more targeted, cross-border partnerships. Countries like the UAE and Oman are also ramping up hydrogen export infrastructure, capitalizing on their plentiful solar resources to compete globally. The MoU between SARCO and GO Energy is a good example of regional players combining tech know-how and financing to push forward hydrogen projects, especially as regulations continue to evolve.
All in all, this green hydrogen and ammonia project is a step forward for both nations. It shows their shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and energy transformation. Plus, it’s part of a bigger regional push to create interconnected hydrogen economies based on cooperation rather than just competition.
In summary, the SARCO-GO Energy MoU is an early yet important move in Saudi Arabia’s effort to become a key player in green hydrogen globally. While many specifics still need to be worked out, this partnership highlights how the Kingdom is leveraging strategic collaborations to speed up its energy transition. The next year will be pretty telling in terms of how feasible this all really is—both technically and commercially—and whether it could reshape the future of low-carbon energy exports from the Middle East.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://energynews.biz/saudi-arabias-sarco-and-uaes-go-energy-sign-mou-to-explore-green-hydrogen-project/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=saudi-arabias-sarco-and-uaes-go-energy-sign-mou-to-explore-green-hydrogen-project – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://news.daleel.gov.sa/energy/green-hydrogen-mou-sarco-and-go-energy-in-saudi – Saudi Arabia Refineries Company (SARCO) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Go Energy to explore a green hydrogen and ammonia project in the Kingdom. The MoU, effective from 11 October 2025, outlines two primary objectives: conducting a joint technical and feasibility study to assess large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production potential, and designing a legal framework to define cooperative mechanisms between the partners. The agreement is valid for one year, allowing both companies to determine the project’s commercial and technical viability. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its energy portfolio and establish hydrogen, particularly green ammonia, as a key export-oriented pillar. Neighboring countries, including the UAE and Oman, are pursuing similar strategies to develop low-carbon hydrogen export corridors, leveraging abundant solar resources and established energy infrastructure to capture early market share in Europe and Asia’s emerging hydrogen import markets. SARCO, traditionally focused on downstream refining and petrochemical investments, has increasingly turned its attention to clean energy ventures. Partnering with Go Energy, an Emirati developer active in renewable generation and hydrogen feasibility projects, signals SARCO’s intent to align with the region’s evolving decarbonization agenda while exploring new commercial frontiers. The project’s focus on green ammonia reflects a pragmatic approach to hydrogen’s logistical challenges. Converting hydrogen to ammonia for storage and transport reduces costs and infrastructure constraints, enabling long-distance export and use in industrial applications. However, the commercial feasibility of such projects remains highly sensitive to renewable electricity costs, electrolyzer efficiency, and offtake agreements—factors that will likely determine the outcome of the planned study. In the broader regional context, Saudi Arabia’s planned green hydrogen capacity already includes NEOM’s $8.4 billion project, one of the largest globally, expected to begin operations later this decade. The SARCO–Go Energy collaboration could complement these efforts by exploring smaller-scale or modular production pathways, potentially leveraging existing industrial clusters and refining assets. The non-binding nature of the MoU underscores the early stage of the initiative, illustrating how Middle Eastern energy players are shifting from broad national strategies to bilateral, project-level cooperation. As countries in the Gulf increasingly compete—and collaborate—to secure technological partnerships and financing for hydrogen infrastructure, such agreements may serve as precursors to a more integrated regional hydrogen economy.
- https://www.sahmcapital.com/news/content/sarco-partners-with-uaes-go-energy-on-green-hydrogen-project-2025-10-12 – Saudi Arabian Refineries Company (SARCO) has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Go Energy Company to develop a green hydrogen (ammonia) project in Saudi Arabia. The MoU, signed on 11 October 2025, establishes a one-year framework for conducting joint studies and designing legal cooperation structures. The company stated there is no financial impact from this memorandum, which aligns with its strategy to expand energy services through specialized partnerships in the energy sector.
- https://www.arabnews.com/node/2606518/business-economy – A green hydrogen and ammonia project is set to take shape in Saudi Arabia after Saudi Arabia Refineries Co. signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with UAE-based Go Energy. The deal will see the two companies conduct a joint study on the project and design a legal framework to support their collaboration. The MoU is valid for one year unless extended by mutual agreement. The deal aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider strategy to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and to become the world’s largest exporter of green hydrogen, targeting annual production of 1.2 million tonnes by the end of the decade. This commitment is part of the broader National Renewable Energy Program strategy, aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s energy portfolio and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- https://khaleejmag.com/business/saudi-arabia-refineries-co-signs-mou-with-uaes-go-energy-for-green-hydrogen-project/ – A new green hydrogen and ammonia project is set to advance in Saudi Arabia following the signing of a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Saudi Arabia Refineries Co. (SARCO) and UAE-based Go Energy. The agreement, announced in a statement to the Tadawul stock exchange, will see the two companies jointly study the development of the project and establish a legal framework to guide their collaboration. The MoU will remain valid for one year, with the option to extend by mutual consent. SARCO emphasized that the agreement does not carry immediate financial obligations and does not involve any related parties. Instead, it represents an early step in exploring potential partnerships within the renewable energy sector. The company noted that the initiative aligns with its long-term strategy to expand operations through specialized energy collaborations. The proposed project supports Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to transition toward cleaner energy sources under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework. Riyadh aims to generate half of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade and to become the world’s leading exporter of green hydrogen, with an annual production target of 1.2 million tonnes. The initiative falls under the National Renewable Energy Program, which seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s energy mix and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen — produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy — is viewed as a cornerstone of the global shift toward carbon neutrality, as it emits no greenhouse gases during production. Saudi Arabia, which has set a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, is investing heavily in both green and blue hydrogen technologies. Major energy players such as Saudi Aramco and ACWA Power are already leading the Kingdom’s push toward sustainable energy. One of the flagship developments is the world’s largest green hydrogen plant being constructed in NEOM, the $500 billion futuristic city. The project, led by NEOM Green Hydrogen Co., is expected to begin operations in December 2026. In addition, ACWA Power recently signed several agreements to export renewable energy and green hydrogen to Europe, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing position as a global hub for clean energy innovation. The SARCO-Go Energy collaboration marks another step in this direction, reflecting the Kingdom’s accelerating commitment to building a low-carbon economy driven by renewable power and hydrogen-based technologies.
- https://english.mubasher.info/news/4507521/Saudi-Arabian-Refineries-Company-the-Company-announces-the-signing-of-a-Memorandum-of-Understanding-MoU-with-the-UAE-based-energy-innovation-Go-Energy-Company-to-develop-the-green-hydrogen-ammo – Saudi Arabian Refineries Company (SARCO) has announced the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE-based Go Energy Company to develop the green hydrogen (ammonia) project in Saudi Arabia. The MoU, effective from the date of its signature, is valid for one calendar year unless otherwise agreed in writing. The companies agreed to conduct a joint study to develop the proposed green hydrogen (ammonia) project and to design a legal framework to support their cooperation. SARCO emphasized that there are no financial implications resulting from the signing of this MoU, noting that the announcement does not necessarily mean that the proposed transaction will be agreed upon between the parties. This collaboration falls within SARCO’s strategy to expand its energy-related services through specialized partnerships in the energy sector.
- https://globalflowcontrol.com/newsroom/sarco-go-energy-saudi-green-hydrogen/ – Saudi Arabia Refineries Company (SARCO) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Go Energy to explore the development of a green hydrogen and ammonia project in Saudi Arabia. The partnership will focus on conducting a joint study to assess the project and designing a legal framework to support cooperation. The MoU, effective from 11 October 2025, will remain valid for one year unless extended in writing. SARCO emphasized that the MoU has no financial implications and aligns with its strategy to expand energy-related services through specialized partnerships. Go Energy Group, based in Umm Al Quwain, UAE, is actively investing in renewable energy and green hydrogen projects. This collaboration represents a strategic step for both companies in advancing sustainable energy initiatives in the region.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being October 12, 2025. The MoU was signed on October 11, 2025, and the news was reported on October 12, 2025. No earlier versions with different figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content does not appear to be recycled or republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The update may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2618628/business-economy?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the provided narrative. The information appears to be paraphrased from the press release and other reputable sources. The absence of direct quotes suggests the content may be original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations, including SARCO and Go Energy, both of which have a public presence and legitimate websites. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high reliability score. The content does not originate from obscure, unverifiable, or single-outlet narratives.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with Saudi Arabia’s known energy strategies and goals. The MoU’s details, such as the joint study and legal framework, are consistent with standard industry practices. The narrative includes specific factual anchors, such as the signing date (October 11, 2025) and the duration of the MoU (one year), which enhances its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate and official communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative passes all checks with high scores, indicating it is fresh, original, and sourced from reliable entities. The content is consistent with known facts and practices, and the absence of direct quotes suggests originality. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
