UAE's Comprehensive Road Map to Become a Hydrogen Exporter

 

The UAE is aiming to position itself as a key exporter of hydrogen in the future, as it works towards its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The country has been drawing up a comprehensive road map for hydrogen and is bullish about its future potential. Hydrogen, a clean fuel that can be produced using renewable energy and natural gas, is expected to play a crucial role in transitioning economies and industries towards a low-carbon world, in order to mitigate climate change.

The UAE currently has 28 hydrogen projects in the pipeline, with seven already passing the financing stage, according to officials. Globally, the International Energy Agency estimates that 520 million tonnes of hydrogen will be needed to achieve net-zero targets by 2050. Investment in hydrogen is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2030, according to French investment bank Natixis.

Hydrogen comes in various forms, including blue, green, and grey. Blue and grey hydrogen are derived from natural gas, while green hydrogen is produced using renewable sources. Green hydrogen is expected to play an important role in reducing emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as cement, steel, aluminium, and petrochemicals.

The UAE is investing Dh600 billion in clean and renewable energy projects over the next three decades, and is currently building the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai with a five-gigawatt capacity. Abu Dhabi has set a target of 5.6 gigawatts of solar PV capacity by 2026, and is also developing a two-gigawatt solar plant in its Al Dhafra region.

As the demand for hydrogen grows, the UAE is well-positioned to tap into its potential as a major exporter. Officials have identified 18 sectors that are calling for a lot of hydrogen by 2030 to 2031, and are working on solutions to meet this demand. By investing in hydrogen, the UAE is not only working towards its net-zero emissions goal, but also contributing to the global effort to mitigate climate change.