Saudi Arabia's Green Innovation Presents Ambitious Climate Solutions

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in green innovation, aiming to transform its vast deserts into sustainable, climate-friendly environments. As the country hosts the United Nations COP16 conference on drought and desertification, the focus on environmental solutions has never been greater. The kingdom has pledged to restore 40 million hectares of degraded land, a bold vision in a region defined by its dry and arid conditions.

However, while Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a major investor in climate technology, it has faced accusations of greenwashing. Critics argue that while the country pours resources into green tech, it continues to defend its oil industry, potentially undermining its environmental commitments.

Investment in Climate Tech

Saudi Arabia is responsible for nearly 75% of Middle East investment in climate technology start-ups, with nearly $363 million directed toward energy solutions—10 times more than the amount invested in food, agriculture, and land-use innovations. According to a 2023 report by PwC, the kingdom's focus remains on climate-friendly energy technologies.

One notable project based in the desert north of Jeddah is using microorganisms to reduce the energy cost of wastewater treatment. This process converts carbon into methane gas, which is collected and used to power the facility. The treated water could be used for growing microalgae to feed livestock or irrigate plants, supporting the kingdom's larger goals of combatting desertification.

Transforming Sand into Soil

Saudi Arabia's "Middle East Green Initiative" aims to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 74 million hectares of land. Efficient water and soil management are key to this vision, and a team at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is developing a compost made from chicken manure. This carbon-enriched compost retains nutrients and water, allowing plants to thrive in otherwise barren soil.

Experts like Himanshu Mishra, an environmental scientist at KAUST, believe these innovations could make Saudi Arabia a leader in environmental technology, transforming desert sand into fertile soil. This compost could be sold both as a product and as part of the technology, turning Saudi Arabia into an exporter of sustainable solutions.