RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, or NCVC, has launched an executive plan for combating desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation.

The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts under its COP16 presidency and in alignment with global initiatives to address environmental and climate challenges.

According to an NCVC press release, the plan aims to strengthen national resilience against desertification and drought by developing and implementing effective strategies that align with national policies, regional initiatives and international commitments. 

It focuses on formulating sustainable policies and programs based on a comprehensive assessment of current conditions, global practices and an integrated approach to natural resource management, the statement said.

In addition to enhancing readiness and response mechanisms, the plan seeks to develop early warning systems, implement mitigation and adaptation strategies, and foster cooperation among relevant entities in planning and execution. 

It also includes efforts to establish sustainable financing mechanisms and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies to ensure the successful implementation of its initiatives.

The project consists of two primary scopes: The executive plan for combating desertification and the executive plan for integrated drought management.

NCVC continues its mission to restore and preserve vegetation cover by rehabilitating degraded lands and protecting biodiversity in natural ecosystems, the press release said. 

It also oversees the conservation and sustainable management of rangelands, forests and national parks, combats illegal logging, and safeguards Saudi Arabia’s natural resources. 

These efforts align with its vision to foster a thriving and diverse vegetation cover that promotes environmental sustainability and enhances the quality of life.

RIYADH: A research project to improve the feasibility of green hydrogen production has been launched by the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

Led by Prof. Mohammed Gondal, the project aims to reduce the cost of producing the element to make the process more economically viable.

It uses a portable solar panel to power a process known as water splitting, which separates the hydrogen atoms from oxygen in water.

This setup has several advantages: It operates at a lower energy input compared to traditional electrochemical water splitting, produces valuable byproducts, and utilizes the abundant solar energy available across Saudi Arabia.

The project also uses methanol, the oxidation of which traditionally results in hydrogen and CO2 emissions.

However, KFUPM’s method focuses on selectively converting methanol into valuable chemicals without CO2 emissions, significantly boosting the overall efficiency of the process.

Electrochemical water splitting carries some environmental challenges, as a large amount of energy is required for the reaction and there is a risk of mixing the two gases, hydrogen and oxygen.

Through the project, Gondal was able to overcome major challenges faced in hydrogen production, improving the output and quality of the byproducts such as formate and formic acid.

Looking forward, the project aims to scale up production by interlinking multiple cells, demonstrating the feasibility of industrial-scale green hydrogen generation using locally synthesized materials.

Hydrogen holds potential value as a fuel source for shipping, aviation and the automotive industry.

It can also be used to decarbonize heavy industries, including steel production.

Saudi Arabia is making a significant push into the production of green hydrogen, or hydrogen produced from completely sustainable sources.

It is building one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants at the megacity of NEOM, powered by solar and wind energy.