As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sets its eyes on becoming a leading global producer of low-carbon hydrogen by its 60th anniversary in 2031, a strategic alliance has been forged. GHD, a top-tier global professional services firm, and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Integrated Energy Systems CINES have joined hands with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) to craft a comprehensive National Hydrogen Strategy.
This transformative strategy aligns with the UAE’s pursuit of a sustainable energy frontier, leveraging its rich natural gas reserves, solar abundance, and its prestigious standing as a global energy and business epicenter.
Sharif Al Olama, MOEI’s Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, emphasized the importance of hydrogen in the UAE’s energy transition: “Hydrogen has the potential to play an important role in the UAE’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Our goal is to establish the UAE as a leader in the global hydrogen market, create new economic opportunities and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.”
The collaborative project between GHD and Fraunhofer encompasses a detailed and fact-based analysis of the opportunities and challenges in building a hydrogen-based economy in the UAE. It employs Fraunhofer’s technical parameters from its HYPAT – Hydrogen Potential Atlas project and GHD’s engagement with stakeholders to design the strategic framework and roadmap.
Several highlights underline the ambitious nature of the strategy:
- Exponential Hydrogen Growth: Targeting 1.4 million tonnes per annum of low-emission hydrogen by 2031, with 71.4% being green hydrogen. By 2050, a tenfold increase to 15 million tonnes per annum is envisioned.
- Green Job Creation: An objective to create thousands of green jobs by 2031, nurturing a skilled workforce in the renewable energy landscape.
- Hydrogen Infrastructure Expansion: Plans to build two hydrogen oases (hubs) by 2031 and a globally recognized hydrogen innovation center by 2050.
Thomas Evans, Executive Advisor at GHD, outlined the intricate aspects of building a hydrogen economy, stating: “Building a successful hydrogen economy requires multiple complex enablers to come together, including infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a clear and consistent policy environment.”
Jan Frederik Braun, Head of Hydrogen Cooperation (MENA Region) at Fraunhofer CINES, reflected on the UAE’s strategic positioning: “The UAE’s opportunities to create value in the emerging global hydrogen market will lie in its ability to produce innovative and competitive hydrogen-based end products along the entire value chain.”
With the roadmap drawn and commitments firmly in place, the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy sets a beacon for the nation’s aspirations in the hydrogen domain. It is a statement of intent, a milestone, and a firm step towards a green, innovative, and prosperous future – a future powered by hydrogen.
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