LatestMiddle East and North AfricaNews

Estonia Strengthens Green Cooperation Prospects with Saudi Arabia Through Technology and Innovation

Riyadh – Estonia is seeking deeper collaboration with Saudi Arabia on sustainable technologies, with both nations identifying major opportunities in hydrogen, digital infrastructure, circular economy solutions, and environmental protection.

The discussions took place during the Circular Economy Forum in Riyadh, where Estonian leaders and innovators emphasized shared goals in clean energy and climate-focused development.

Estonian Energy and Environment Minister Andres Sutt said the Kingdom offers an ideal environment for green partnerships, particularly in hydrogen technologies.

He noted that Estonia’s expertise in high-efficiency alkaline electrolyzers positions its companies to support Saudi Arabia’s growing clean-energy ecosystem. The minister emphasized that innovation from Tallinn could help accelerate the Kingdom’s energy-transition roadmap.

One of Estonia’s leading clean-tech firms, Stargate Hydrogen, is expanding its footprint in the region by establishing a headquarters in Riyadh.

The company aims to scale industrial decarbonization through advanced electrolyzer systems that eliminate costly catalyst metals and operate using ceramic-based materials. These systems are designed to reduce production costs while boosting hydrogen output.

Stargate’s global expansion is partly driven by the regulatory advantages in the Gulf region. Company leaders noted that the simplified regulatory environment in Saudi Arabia enables faster deployment of hydrogen infrastructure compared to Europe.

This, they said, makes the Kingdom a strategic location for advancing green hydrogen projects.

Another major area of shared interest between Estonia and Saudi Arabia is artificial intelligence and data centers.

Estonia’s strong digital infrastructure has helped position it as one of Europe’s most advanced digital economies, and Estonian companies see potential in supporting the Kingdom’s rapidly growing data and AI sectors.

Energy-efficient systems, such as those developed by Skeleton Technologies, could play a key role in optimizing data-center performance.

Skeleton Technologies believes the Kingdom is poised to shift from being a technology importer to a global innovation hub. The company highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s investments in AI, renewable energy, and high-efficiency storage solutions create an ideal setting for next-generation energy technologies.

Environmental cooperation also extends to Nordic partners with a strong presence in the Kingdom. Finnish environmental-solutions provider Lamor has already established a major manufacturing center in Dammam.

The company specializes in oil-spill response, recycling systems, and soil and water remediation, all of which support Saudi Arabia’s sustainability targets.

Lamor executives said their mission aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s national environmental goals, especially as the Kingdom strengthens efforts to protect natural ecosystems and advance industrial sustainability.

The firm’s focus on localized manufacturing also supports the Kingdom’s strategy to build resilient, homegrown supply chains.

Estonia’s Tallinn University of Technology, the country’s premier technical institution, is also exploring partnerships in research and education.

University leaders said cooperation in digitalization, clean technology, and circular-economy innovation would help both nations address climate challenges more effectively.

They expressed interest in establishing student exchange programs and joint research initiatives with Saudi institutions.

Agricultural sustainability emerged as another key topic of discussion. Ground Improver, an agritech company based in Tallinn, presented its soil-enhancement technology Rescaype, which improves water retention, reduces fertilizer use, and increases crop yields.

The firm believes its solutions could support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat desertification and improve soil health.

Ground Improver representatives emphasized that high salinity and limited water retention pose significant challenges in the region. Their goal is to partner with Saudi institutions to restore soil quality, enhance greenery, and support long-term agricultural resilience.

They said collaborations could pave the way for more sustainable farming practices and greener landscapes across the Kingdom.

Overall, Estonian officials expressed strong interest in working closely with Saudi Arabia’s environmental and energy agencies. Ongoing discussions with national organizations show promising pathways for joint efforts that support clean-technology development, climate action, and sustainable growth.