Developing a Progressive Regulatory Framework to Enable Innovation in Neom's Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

Abstract

In this paper, a novel regulatory framework tailored to Neom's green hydrogen ecosystem is proposed, stemming from an in-depth analysis of globally recognized policies in the green hydrogen sector. Policies originating from the European Union, Australia, and Japan, carefully selected due to their pioneering work in green hydrogen, are dissected, and salient features are identified. Utilizing a novel methodological approach, the key facets of these policies are integrated into a tailor-made regulatory framework to bolster the innovation and sustainability of Neom's green hydrogen ecosystem. While the proposed framework offers significant potential to drive innovation and sustainability, it is recognized that the implementation could encounter challenges. These might emerge from Neom's unique socio-cultural context, the nascent state of the global green hydrogen industry, and the need for inter-jurisdictional coordination and harmonization. Recommendations for mitigating these challenges, including proactive engagement with ethical and social issues surrounding data-driven policy making, are incorporated into the proposed framework. This study serves to broaden our understanding of policy-making in the green hydrogen sector. By drawing upon international best practices and contextualizing them to Neom's unique circumstances, valuable insights are contributed to both academic discourse and the practical implementation of green hydrogen initiatives. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research in this nascent yet critical field, underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of green hydrogen policy-making.