Saudi-Led Study Urges Stronger Public–Private Alignment in Green Hydrogen Sector

A recent academic study has underscored the importance of developing integrated models that combine economic policy frameworks with engineering methodologies to accelerate the growth of the green hydrogen sector.

The study highlights that a lack of coordination between governments and the private sector remains one of the most significant challenges facing the industry globally. It notes that aligning national strategies with industrial initiatives can enhance investment efficiency and strengthen the long-term sustainability of green and clean energy projects.

According to the findings, establishing clear regulatory frameworks supported by practical and scalable operational models is critical to closing execution gaps, particularly in large-scale energy transition projects. The study further emphasizes that green hydrogen represents a promising pathway toward achieving a low-emissions energy mix, provided that effective tools are developed to foster collaboration among key stakeholders.

The research was conducted by Saudi scholar Dr. Eng. Abdulrahman Mohammed Abdulaal, who was awarded a PhD in Strategy, Development, and Engineering in New Energy – Green Hydrogen from Brunel University of London.

His dissertation, titled “Investigating Strategic Directions and Initiatives of Green Hydrogen, the Role of Alignment between Government and Business Collaboration: A Case of Green Hydrogen in Saudi Arabia,” was praised by the examination committee for its “Exceptional Scientific Novelty,” recognizing it as a significant contribution to addressing the challenges of the hydrogen economy.

A key outcome of the study is the development of the Green Hydrogen Strategic Alignment Framework (GHSAF) a multidisciplinary model with phases designed to bridge economic policies with engineering applications, enhance coordination between public and private sectors, and support the effective implementation of Green and clean energy projects.

Commenting on his choice of Saudi Arabia as a case study, Dr. Abdulaal noted that the Kingdom represents a uniquely strategic and scientific environment for examining the sector. He pointed to its global leadership and practical momentum, stating that no country currently matches the scale and ambition of Saudi Arabia’s green hydrogen initiatives, including projects such as NEOM Green Hydrogen Project. Studying the Kingdom, he added, provides insight into both global best practices and the most pressing real-world challenges observed by the international community.

Dr. Abdulaal has recently been appointed Senior Strategy Advisor at the Brunel Hydrogen Research Institute, which he co-founded, and has also been awarded an honorary Senior fellowship from the Brunel Business School. He currently serves as Acting CEO of Yanbu Green Hydrogen Company owned by Acwa, in addition to his role as Head of Green Hydrogen in Saudi Arabia at Acwa. He is also actively engaged in innovation and patent development related to clean hydrogen technologies.