Creating a brighter tomorrow for the UAE: Launching the national hydrogen strategy

Author: Thomas Evans
Flag of the United Arab Emirates

At a glance

The UAE’s Hydrogen Strategy – developed by GHD in partnership with Fraunhofer – sets the stage for the nation’s ambitious hydrogen goals. With the development of a comprehensive 10-element framework, this strategy details the key components for a sustainable hydrogen economy.

The UAE’s Hydrogen Strategy – developed by GHD in partnership with Fraunhofer – sets the stage for the nation’s ambitious hydrogen goals. With the development of a comprehensive 10-element framework, this strategy details the key components for a sustainable hydrogen economy.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set itself the goal of producing 1.4 million tonnes per annum of low carbon hydrogen by 2031. With this aim, the UAE government commissioned GHD and Fraunhofer CINES to develop and deliver the UAE Hydrogen Strategy.

The strategy, released yesterday at the second Emirates Energy Forum by H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), is a comprehensive analysis of the future hydrogen economy in the UAE.

The approach, designed by GHD, is an evidenced-based analysis that evaluates the opportunities and challenges associated with establishing a hydrogen-based economy in the UAE. This analysis included development of a roadmap to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors and sets a platform for the growth of the domestic hydrogen market, as well as laying the foundations for a robust export commodity market.

The strategy sets a pathway to leverage the country’s abundant natural gas reserves, high solar irradiance, and favourable position as a global energy and business hub. With the added advantage of substantial financial resources and a strong credit rating, the UAE is well-positioned to become a global leader in low-carbon hydrogen production.

Hydrogen Molecules

Download the full UAE Hydrogen Strategy

The UAE’s Hydrogen Strategy outlines the key steps the UAE will take to position the nation as a top global producer of low carbon hydrogen by 2031 and support the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050.

Building a successful hydrogen economy requires multiple complex enablers to come together, including infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a clear and consistent policy environment. GHD is committed to unlocking sustainable pathways to net zero, and developing a hydrogen economy is a critical part of the broader decarbonisation puzzle. To find out more about GHD’s expertise in hydrogen strategy and feasibility, public policy and government transformation, techno-economic modelling to support complex investment decision making, and wider decarbonisation, please get in touch.

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