Reem Alhethlain

The development of a sustainable hydrogen economy requires not only advances in production technologies but also the integration of storage, transportation, and end-use pathways into a coherent supply chain. While significant progress has been achieved in green hydrogen production through large-scale electrolysis powered by renewable energy, persistent challenges remain in scaling hydrogen storage and delivery systems. Current literature highlights underground hydrogen storage (UHS), ammonia, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) as the most promising solutions, yet each option entails technical, economic, and safety trade-offs.

This paper investigates the design of an integrated hydrogen supply chain with a focus on Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Green Hydrogen Project—the world’s largest planned facility for renewable hydrogen and ammonia production. Drawing on recent assessments by the International Energy Agency and the Hydrogen Council, the study reviews advances in production technologies, evaluates alternative storage and carrier options, and compares infrastructure strategies including pipeline blending and maritime ammonia transportation 

The findings suggest that ammonia export represents the most feasible short-term pathway due to existing port and shipping infrastructure, while medium-term integration may rely on regional pipelines and blending strategies. In the longer term, UHS offers a scalable option for enhancing system flexibility and reducing costs. The paper concludes by outlining a staged roadmap for supply chain integration, emphasizing the role of NEOM as a model for hydrogen-exporting economies.

Keywords: Green hydrogen, Integrated supply chain, NEOM, Ammonia, UHS, LOHC, Energy transition.