Once dismissed as barren wastelands, deserts in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Australia are becoming global hubs for ambitious hydrogen projects, aiming to export clean energy, sustainable fuels, and even fresh water.
When you picture a desert, you probably imagine endless dunes and intense heat—not an oasis of sustainable energy. Yet today, countries largely covered by vast, arid landscapes, like Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Australia, are transforming into hubs of the green hydrogen revolution, positioning themselves as emerging energy superpowers of the 21st century.
Here’s how these countries are transforming their desert landscapes into thriving centers for green hydrogen production.
Saudi Arabia: Shifting Sands, Shifting Priorities
The Arabian Peninsula, long known for its petroleum wealth, is now rapidly diversifying into renewable energy. At the center of this transition is NEOM, a futuristic mega-city rising along the shores of the Red Sea. Here, the kingdom is building one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants in a $5 billion partnership with Air Products and ACWA Power.
According to Reuters, the facility is expected to produce around 650 tons of hydrogen daily by 2026, powered entirely by solar and wind energy. Saudi Arabia’s ambition is clear: it aims to export green hydrogen as widely and profitably as it exports oil today. With vast deserts and abundant sunshine, the kingdom is well-positioned to become a dominant force in this emerging market.
Morocco: Connecting Continents with Clean Energy
Morocco’s deserts, known for their vast expanses and abundant sunshine, are already home to the Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Now, Morocco is taking the next step by building a comprehensive green hydrogen infrastructure.
According to Bloomberg, Morocco is leveraging its geographic closeness to Europe to position itself as a leading hydrogen exporter, supplying clean fuel to European markets determined to cut their dependence on natural gas and meet ambitious environmental targets. Recently, the country secured agreements with Germany and other EU nations, establishing itself as a crucial energy partner for the future.
Morocco’s ambitious hydrogen strategy, fueled by significant investments and global partnerships, could transform its deserts from barren sand dunes into vital energy hubs connecting Africa and Europe.
Australia: Opportunity in the Outback
Australia’s vast desert regions, blessed with abundant sunlight and powerful winds, are now at the heart of the nation’s ambitious hydrogen export plans. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia intends to become a global hydrogen powerhouse by exporting millions of tons of renewable hydrogen each year, with Japan and South Korea as primary markets.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has made significant investments in hydrogen infrastructure, backing projects like the Asian Renewable Energy Hub in Western Australia. According to ABC News, this project aims to produce vast quantities of green hydrogen using wind and solar farms that span thousands of square kilometers. Once seen as inhospitable, Australia’s deserts are now valuable assets fueling a strong green-energy economy.
Exporting More than Energy
These hydrogen-rich nations aren’t merely focused on selling fuel; they’re developing ecosystems capable of producing electricity, synthetic fuels, and even clean drinking water. For example, hydrogen production naturally yields pure water as a byproduct, offering the potential to transform arid deserts into water-generating powerhouses.
Moreover, as global demand for sustainable energy rises, nations with vast desert regions are uniquely positioned to capitalize on their geographic advantages. Reports from the International Energy Agency indicate that green hydrogen markets could generate trillions of dollars in economic value by mid-century, with these desert nations well-placed to secure a significant share of that market.
What Can the Rest of the World Learn?
Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Australia offer important lessons for countries around the world. First, strategic investments in renewable infrastructure can swiftly transform a nation’s energy landscape, even for economies long reliant on fossil fuels. Second, geographic and climatic strengths can become powerful assets in the global shift toward renewable energy.
Finally, international partnerships and clear, ambitious energy policies are crucial for turning visionary plans into profitable realities. Deserts that once symbolized isolation and hardship now stand as symbols of hope for a sustainable and interconnected energy future.
