Unprecedented Steel Consumption
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious megacity project, The Line, is making headlines for its unprecedented consumption of steel. This futuristic city, envisioned as a 170-kilometer-long, 500-meter-tall urban development, is reportedly using a staggering 20% of the world’s available steel.
The project, which serves as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to create a sustainable, car-free city powered entirely by renewable energy. While this goal is commendable, the massive steel requirement raises concerns about environmental impact and potential resource constraints.
Key Specifications of The Line
Furthermore, The Line is set to stretch 170 km (105 miles) in total, with its initial 2.4 km (1.5 miles) phase scheduled for completion by 2030. This segment will stand 500 m (1,640 ft) tall and 200 m (656 ft) wide, featuring a mirrored exterior. It will also accommodate around 300,000 residents in an air-conditioned city equipped with AI technology and comprehensive surveillance to oversee various services, including waste management and water usage.
Supporting Infrastructure Development
In order to support The Line, Saudi authorities have approved a SAR 700-million (US$190-million) concrete plant that will produce up to 20,000 cubic meters (about 700,000 cubic ft) of concrete daily, primarily for this project and other Neom initiatives. Additionally, over 100,000 workers are also working around the clock to excavate large amounts of earth for the project’s foundations.
Broader Implications of Neom
Moreover, in addition to The Line, Saudi Arabia is also developing the Neom project, another futuristic city that will require substantial amounts of steel. The combined steel demands of these two projects represent a significant portion of global steel production, consequently raising questions about sustainability and resource allocation.
As The Line and Neom continue to develop, it will be crucial to monitor their progress and address the environmental and economic implications of their massive steel consumption.
