As a recognised leading player in the global energy market, the Middle East understands the urgency towards a Net Zero world with Hydrogen emerging as the next phase of evolution for the region as the pace of renewable energy increases exponentially. It’s abundance and multi-faceted use in agriculture is well documented, and now, the move toward green Hydrogen globally has the potential capacity to replace most fossil fuels in time, making it a very attractive option for countries looking to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve agreed climate change targets.
Green Hydrogen is now becoming a key component in the race to solve world energy challenges, with the Middle East a key driver of this agenda. With ambitious Hydrogen strategies announced by many countries including Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE, the Middle East will not only support its own net zero emission targets, but also produce for the export of green Ammonia products to Asia and beyond.
By harnessing renewable energy to power hydrogen reactors, the region can cost-effectively produce clean-climate genomes. Another advantage the Middle East has is its existing infrastructure for hydrocarbon production, transportation and storage. According to ADNOC’s Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director, Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth Directorate, ADNOC has earmarked $15 billion for landmark decarbonization projects by 2030, including carbon capture, electrification, new CO2 absorption technology and enhanced investments in hydrogen and renewables.
The regions pipelines, refineries and storage facilities support the necessary infrastructure for a booming hydrogen economy. Furthermore, the existing knowledge and experience of oil and gas companies in the region will add great value to future Hydrogen projects in the region.
Several countries in the Middle East have already announced ambitious plans to develop Hydrogen plants. Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, aims to supply 2.9 million tonnes of Hydrogen per day by 2030, and the United Arab Emirates has launched a national Hydrogen program, aiming to be a global ‘top 10’ Hydrogen producer, as part of the UAE’s ‘Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative’, in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.
In addition to producing clean hydrogen for domestic use, the Middle East is well positioned to become a major Hydrogen exporter. Several Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea, have announced plans to import Hydrogen to meet their growing energy needs.
With abundant renewable energy resources, existing infrastructure and established expertise in the oil and gas industry, the region has the necessary infrastructure to achieve its goals to become a key player in the global Hydrogen economy.