UAE publishes hydrogen strategy ahead of COP 28

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently unveiled its National Hydrogen Strategy, outlining comprehensive measures for a sustainable energy policy and increased investments in the emerging hydrogen industry, with the goal of becoming a leading global hydrogen producer.

By 2031, the Arab country aims to produce 1.4 million tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen through various production processes, including blue, green, and pink hydrogen technologies.

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Under optimal market conditions, sectoral demand in the domestic market is forecasted to reach 2.1 million tonnes per year by 2031, complemented by an additional export potential of 0.6 million tonnes annually.

Driven by increasing decarbonisation efforts, the UAE's low-carbon hydrogen production capacity could escalate to 7.5 million tonnes per year by 2040 and nearly double to almost 15 million tonnes by 2050, according to the developers of the strategy -- the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Integrated Energy Systems (CINES) and the consulting firm GHD Advisory.

Under the strategy, the UAE will establish so-called "hydrogen oases" -- hubs for hydrogen production which are expected to catalyse growth in the domestic hydrogen market. Simultaneously, a well-structured policy framework should bolster the expansion of the hydrogen industry and foster collaboration with neighbouring countries in the generation, transportation, and utilisation of hydrogen.

In addition, the UAE will seek to stimulate and broaden accessibility to investments in hydrogen research and development.

Image by Fraunhofer ISE