Desertification poses a severe threat to Saudi Arabia’s limited arable land and water resources. With over 98% of its territory classified as desert, the Kingdom faces increasing pressure on its agricultural sector and water supplies. This challenge is exacerbated by climate change, which is accelerating the desertification process and threatening food security.

Climate models also project that Saudi Arabia could experience temperature increases of up to 4°C by the end of the century. Such warming would have profound implications for public health, energy demand, and agricultural productivity.

Finally, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution remain significant issues, primarily driven by the country’s energy-intensive industries and transportation sector. In 2019, Saudi Arabia’s total greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 646.42 Mt CO2 equivalent, with the energy sector contributing 81.7% of these emissions.

Saudi Vision 2030 and Sustainability

The Saudi Vision 2030, launched in 2016, marks a pivotal shift in the Kingdom’s approach to economic development and sustainability. It aims to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. It also includes ambitious renewable energy targets. The Kingdom aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with plans to invest up to $50 billion in this sector. Progress is already evident, with projects like the 300 MW Sakaka solar plant and the 400 MW Dumat Al Jandal wind farm operational.

Moreover, the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) endorsed by the G20 under Saudi Arabia’s presidency in 2020, focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions. The CCE aligns with the Kingdom’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. As for the Public Investment Fund (PIF), it has committed to invest $40 billion annually in domestic projects, many of which focus on sustainability and the circular economy.

Now, Saudi Arabia is already making significant strides to achieve these goals. For instance, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is spearheading efforts to develop recycling capacities across all waste types. With a budget of $13 billion allocated by 2035, it plans to divert 82% of all waste from landfills by 2035, contribute over $9.8 billion to the GDP, and create approximately 23,000 new jobs. Currently, the development of recycling and sorting facilities in Riyadh is ongoing, with the implementation of waste-to-energy projects also underway.

In the same way, Green Riyadh is another transformative project with a budget of $23 billion, aiming to plant 7.5 million trees and create 3,300 parks, to reduce CO2 emissions, and lower urban temperatures by up to 2°C. Currently, active planting is taking place in residential neighbourhoods, and a new water treatment network for irrigation is being developed. French company Egis is providing project management and design services.

In complement to Green Riyadh, King Salman Park is set to become one of the largest urban parks in the world, with a budget of $4 billion. The project’s objectives are to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and promote environmental sustainability and community well-being. Its development is currently underway, with significant progress in landscaping and infrastructure. Engagement with local and international partners for cultural and recreational facilities is also ongoing.

Furthermore, NEOM is perhaps the most ambitious project under Saudi Vision 2030, with a staggering budget of $500 billion. This mega-city aims to be powered entirely by renewable energy, creating a hub for innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification. It is expected to be transformative, establishing a new model for urban living and sustainability, creating significant economic opportunities and job creation, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing in innovation and sustainability. While the size of the Line project has been reduced, construction of NEOM is currently underway with significant progress.

Another giga project is the Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism development with a budget of $10 billion, emphasizing coral reef protection and ecosystem conservation, achieving a 30% net positive conservation benefit by 2040, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable tourism. The first resort opened in 2023, and ongoing construction and development of additional resorts and infrastructure are in progress. There is also Amaala, another luxury wellness tourism destination with a budget of $2.7 billion, aiming to promote sustainable tourism and environmental conservation while enhancing the well-being of visitors and local communities.

Saudi Arabia is also making bold moves in hydrogen production, with plans to become the world’s largest exporter of hydrogen. A $5 billion green hydrogen plant is under construction, aiming to integrate hydrogen into domestic industries and export markets. The plant is expected to produce 1.2 million tons per annum of green ammonia, support the decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation and industrial sectors, and save approximately five million tons of CO2 per year. Financial close has been achieved with an $8.4 billion investment, and construction is well underway, with production scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.

Finally, Saudi Arabia is investing over $5 billion in water infrastructure over the next 20 years to enhance water recycling and desalination capabilities, promote sustainable water management practices, and ensure water security and availability for future generations.

International cooperation and agreements

To support its objectives, Saudi Arabia’s has already signed several international partnerships and agreements.

First, Saudi Arabia and France have forged a strategic partnership on energy focusing on renewable energy, hydrogen production, and nuclear energy. The partnership will unfolds in three phases running until 2035. Currently, there is active collaboration in various renewable energy projects, and ongoing discussions are taking place to expand nuclear energy cooperation. French energy companies such as EDF, TotalEnergies, and Engie are key international partners in this strategic alliance.

The Kingdom was also one of the main key signatories of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) during the last G20 New Delhi Summit. This multi-billion-dollar initiative is part of a broader effort to develop clean energy and digital infrastructure connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe. Initial projects are already underway, with significant progress in clean energy infrastructure.

Before the IMEC, the Transcontinental Green Trade Corridor was signed between Riyadh and Washington as part of a broader initiative to facilitate green trade and climate adaptation strategies. The project aims to develop a green trade corridor, promote green supply chains and manufacturing, and enhance digital transformation and climate adaptation strategies. Initial projects and partnerships are already underway, with ongoing discussions for further expansion and collaboration.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia is taking rapid steps to enhance the future of the electric car industry, aligning with its strategy to reduce carbon emissions and generate 50% of its electrical energy from renewable sources. It recently launched the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (EVIQ) and opened Lucid, the first factory specializing in the manufacturing of electric vehicles in the Saudi market. Currently, several EV manufacturing facilities are under construction, and a comprehensive EV infrastructure network is being developed.

Finally, the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), a multi-billion-dollar initiative, was launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to promote regional and global cooperation in renewable energy, nature conservation, and sustainable land use, with the overarching goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

French Expertise in Circular Economy

Now, France has firmly established itself as a global leader in circular economy initiatives, driven by comprehensive government policies and innovative projects. France’s commitment to recycling is evident in its advanced technologies for plastic, electronic, and construction waste recycling, helping it to meet its objective to recycle 100% of its plastic by 2025. The French government has also launched the “Recycling, recyclability, and re-use of materials” program under the France 2030 investment plan, with a budget of €40 million over six years, which also involve the scientific community in addition to industrial companies.

Industrial symbiosis is another area where France excels, facilitating resource sharing among industries to minimize waste. Programs like La French Fab are leading the charge in this field, promoting the reuse of materials and the development of sustainable manufacturing processes. The goal is to create a closed-loop system where resources are continuously reused, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimizing waste.

Finally, the Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy Law is a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at transforming France’s waste management system. The law targets the elimination of single-use plastics by 2040, encourages the reuse of products, and supports charitable organizations by mandating the donation of unsold goods. It also introduces a mandatory repairability index for electronic and electrical products, encouraging manufacturers to design products that are easier to repair and recycle.

All these initiatives, completed by the expertise and innovations developed by the French private industries, make France and French companies the best partners to accompany Saudi Arabia in the development of its circular economy.

Potential for Saudi French Collaboration

France is already leveraging its expertise to help Saudi Arabia address its specific environmental challenges.

French companies like Suez and Veolia are, indeed, at the forefront of water management, offering advanced solutions in water recycling and desalination. Suez, for instance, is involved in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants in Jeddah and Mecca. Veolia, on the other hand, has secured a seven-year management contract for water and wastewater services in Riyadh and 22 outlying municipalities. This contract, valued at €82.6 million, covers a population of nearly 9 million people, which is expected to double by 2030. Veolia’s objectives include halving losses in the water distribution network, ensuring 24-hour access to quality drinking water, and implementing a training program for over 5,000 local employees.

French firms are also making significant strides in waste management in the Kingdom. Veolia is a key player in this sector, becoming Saudi Aramco’s exclusive partner for the treatment of its industrial and non-hazardous waste. This partnership involves managing an estimated 200,000 metric tons of waste per year, in addition to the 120,000 metric tons of hazardous waste that will soon be treated in Jubail, where Veolia is finalizing the construction of an incinerator for Sadara Chemical Company and other nearby industrial companies.

Furthermore, French companies are already contributing to Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy projects. EDF Renewables, in consortium with Masdar and Nesma, is developing the 300 MW Jeddah solar PV project. Moreover, Air Liquide has partnered with ACWA Power and NEOM on a $5 billion green hydrogen project mentioned previously.

There are other success stories highlighting the significant contributions of French companies to Saudi Arabia’s sustainability projects. Egis, as explained before, is involved in the Green Riyadh project, providing project management and design services. As for RATP Dev, it is playing a crucial role in operating and maintaining Lines 1 and 2 of the Riyadh Metro, enhancing public transportation infrastructure and promoting sustainable urban mobility.

This clearly shows the alignment between the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 and the expertise that French companies have in the circular economy, and the contributions that they can offer to the Kingdom in its sustainable development. There are abundant opportunities for French stakeholders to collaborate and invest in sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia.

Yet, the train has already left the station and the competition is not waiting. Companies from China, UK, the USA and other countries are also entering the market. Therefore, it is vital for French companies to commit as soon as possible if they want to benefit from these opportunities.

For more information on the Saudi market and the opportunities that it offers, Contact Artemis Business Care.