Saudi ENOWA, NEOM’s energy, water and hydrogen subsidiary, has entered into a multi-year partnership with Extreme E, a radical off-road racing series, founded by the team behind Formula E which showcases electric SUVs, to introduce green hydrogen power to their global sustainable racing series.
The announcement comes days after NEOM, the futuristic city being developed in the kingdom, was revealed as the title partner of the McLaren Formula E and Extreme E racing teams under the banner of ‘NEOM McLaren Electric Racing.’
Green hydrogen is widely seen as the most promising green energy carrier for the future to fight climate change. This technology supports the transportation of renewable energy over long distances and the decarbonization of major industries and infrastructure.
Extreme E has become a role model to demonstrate the co-existence of motorsports, excitement and sustainability and an ambassador for the planet’s climatic hot spots through their dedicated race locations. By partnering with ENOWA, Extreme E aim to implement innovative green hydrogen-based technologies to not only power the championship towards a 100 percent “leave no trace” ambition but also to showcase the opportunities around this technology.
ENOWA will play an active part on the scientific advisory board of Extreme E and together they will develop educational programs intended to excite young generations about climate-positive solutions.
Peter Terium CEO – ENOWA
“Business decisions in NEOM have sustainability at their core which is why we are delighted to partner with Extreme E. Our partnership is aimed towards both creating visibility to the most urgent problems the planet is facing but at the same time demonstrating solutions that deliver meaningful impact. Together we can accelerate innovations in clean technologies powered by green hydrogen, contributing to hydrogen mobility markets and the future of global decarbonization.”
Due to the abundance of solar, wind and water resources in NEOM, ENOWA and their partners will provide large quantities of green hydrogen that many industries can use. ENOWA benefits from NEOM’s greenfield site, which has no legacy infrastructure, to advance energy, water, and hydrogen innovation while providing sustainable fuels like green hydrogen to international users. It shares an ethos with Extreme E in its demands for a greater sustainability focus.
At the Season 2 opener of Extreme E in NEOM in February 2022, the series revealed its plans to launch an off-road hydrogen Championship in 2024. Named Extreme H, the championship will sit alongside Extreme E, its existing electric racing series, and will be a world-first for motorsport – further reiterating the commitment to showcasing the possibilities of new, sustainable technologies in the race to fight climate issues.
Development for the Extreme H vehicle is already underway, with the aim being the launch of a prototype in early 2023.
Mr. Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said that “We are delighted to have ENOWA onboard as our official Green Hydrogen Power Partner. We have collaborated with NEOM for some time, particularly in delivering a hugely successful first Desert X Prix of Season 2; this partnership with ENOWA marks a further step in our mission for a more sustainable future.”
