This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

20 January 2026

Active Energy Group plc

("Active Energy", the "Company" or the "Group")

Strategic Entry into Saudi Arabia via MISA Entrepreneur Licence

Active Energy Group plc (AIM: AEG | OTC: AEUSF), the renewable energy and digital infrastructure company, announces that it has been successfully granted an Entrepreneur Licence by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia ("MISA").

The award of the MISA Entrepreneur Licence represents a strategic milestone for the Group and forms a core part of Active Energy's wider strategy to expand its footprint across the Middle East. The licence provides the Company with a formal, fully compliant platform to operate and scale within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ("KSA"), one of the world's fastest growing and most strategically important energy and technology markets.

Strategic Rationale

KSA is undergoing rapid economic transformation under Vision 2030, with strong demand across energy transition, digital infrastructure, advanced technologies and innovation-led businesses. Securing the Entrepreneur Licence positions Active Energy at an early stage within this growth cycle and enables the Company to pursue opportunities directly within the Kingdom.

The Entrepreneur Licence offers a more accessible and cost-efficient entry framework than traditional foreign investment licences, while still providing a full legal foundation to build and grow operations in Saudi Arabia. Importantly, the licence allows for 100% foreign ownership in eligible sectors and provides access to a broad range of entrepreneurial support mechanisms.

Key Strategic Advantages

·      Access to ultra-low-cost power

Saudi Arabia's expanding and highly competitive energy infrastructure provides Active Energy with the opportunity to secure ultra-low-cost power, a critical enabler for energy-intensive operations including digital infrastructure, AI-focused computing and advanced clean energy applications. This access underpins improved project economics, scalability and long-term operational resilience.

·      Access to capital, strategic partners and international counterparties

The Entrepreneur Licence enhances the Company's ability to engage with regional capital markets, including sovereign-linked capital, institutional investors and Sharia-compliant debt and structured financing solutions. In parallel, the licence positions the Company to develop strategic partnerships with the KSA and international companies seeking a compliant local operating platform, supporting joint ventures, co-development opportunities and the attraction of inbound foreign investment into the KSA.

·      Direct market entry into a fast-growing economy

The licence enables Active Energy to legally establish and operate in Saudi Arabia, providing direct access to a rapidly expanding economy with increasing demand for clean energy, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven solutions.

·      Lower-cost setup and early-stage incentives

Initial licensing costs are materially lower than traditional foreign investment licences, reducing early-stage financial barriers and improving capital efficiency during market entry.

·      Platform for future growth and permitting

The licence provides a strong foundation for future expansion, including streamlined access to investor visas, work visas, and entrepreneur-related residency categories as operations scale.

·      Gateway for international partnerships

The licence enables Active Energy to leverage Saudi Arabia's expanding international trade and investment ecosystem, supporting the attraction of foreign counterparties and strategic partners seeking a compliant local platform.

Paul Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of Active Energy Group plc, commented:

"The successful award of the MISA Entrepreneur Licence is a major step forward for Active Energy and a clear validation of our Middle East strategy. Saudi Arabia is central to our long-term growth plans, and this licence provides the regulatory platform we need to execute, scale and partner effectively within the Kingdom.

Access to ultra-low-cost power, significant regional capital - including Sharia-compliant funding - and a rapidly developing digital and energy infrastructure creates a compelling environment for our business model. We believe this licence materially enhances our ability to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value for shareholders."

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