Founder of Saudi ACWA: A Diverse Energy Mix Is Needed for the Future, China Supports Global Green Transformation

Ask AI · How can Saudi Arabia, a major oil-producing country, accelerate its green energy transition through China-Saudi cooperation?

21st Century Business Herald Reporter Zhou Xiaoxiao, Lei Ye Beijing Report

March 22-23 — The 2026 Annual Meeting of the China Development Forum was held in Beijing. During the special seminar on global green low-carbon transition and sustainable development, Mohammed Abunayyan, founder and chairman of ACWA Power, Saudi Arabia’s international electricity and water company, stated that this year, Saudi Arabia’s green energy electricity share will reach 25%.

“We are the largest oil producer in the world and also hold the largest oil reserves globally. Our green transformation relies heavily on building an ecosystem together with China,” said Mohammed Abunayyan.

ACWA is a leading global renewable energy and seawater desalination development and operation company. In recent years, it has deepened cooperation with China and implemented several major projects.

“Although we face complex war conditions, Saudi Arabia still has 38 airports open, and residents can go to work and school normally. Everything is as usual,” Mohammed Abunayyan said while looking to the future on-site. He emphasized that water will become a very important global resource. ACWA is sharing seawater desalination technology with China and has brought desalination projects to China for the first time.

At the same time, he believes that green hydrogen is a technology for the future. “This year, we expect to produce 1.2 million tons of green ammonia. Thanks to China for collaborating with us on this project.”

Mohammed Abunayyan believes that in the future, people will still rely on fossil fuels, which will not change. However, there is a need for a richer energy mix, thinking about how future energy combinations can benefit people, and how they can benefit enterprises, industries, and the economy. “Without China, the green energy transition cannot be achieved. I also look forward to jointly creating a green transformation landscape in the future.”