Green Hydro :gen’s Future: Kuwait and the Gulf States’ Hydrogen Ambitions :
Green Hydrogen’s Future: Kuwait and the Gulf States’ Hydrogen Ambitions
Green hydrogen has been the topic of conversation all of a sudden. Hydrogen consumption is projected to increase from its current level of 87 MMT in 2020 to between 500 MMT and 680 MMT in 2050. Hydrogen is being eyed as a potential decarbonization solution by governments from South Africa to the UAE. Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain are the oil-rich nations of GCC with abundant natural gas reserves. These countries have recently revealed their high goals for a hydrogen-based economy. There are ideal conditions for green hydrogen due to increased solar output and abundant land.
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were among the first to see the possibility in the hydrogen sector, and both countries have since developed ambitious plans to capitalize on it. Saudi Arabia has ambitions to become the biggest hydrogen provider in the world, while the UAE wants to corner 25% of the worldwide market. Egypt and Oman are two more Middle Eastern nations that have made significant advancements in recent years.
A Swift Response To Middle East’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions
The Middle East is well-positioned to become a significant exporter of green hydrogen. The United Arab Emirates has seized this opportunity due to its sufficient supply of inexpensive renewable energy sources, its well-established export infrastructure, and its access to substantial financial backing. Currently, forty-six clean hydrogen projects are in progress in the MENA region. Approximately 40 projects worth more than $20 billion are planned for the year through 2030, along with many other small initiatives. The region needs to increase its production capacity to keep up with the growing demand. A consistent policy framework is crucial for a successful transition to green energy.
Kuwait’s Potential For Green Hydrogen Adoption
Like other GCC nations, Kuwait is also exploring hydrogen as part of its energy transformation initiatives. A white paper outlining a policy was released by the government-affiliated research group KFAS in January of 2021. Still, no official hydrogen policy has been implemented in Kuwait as of yet. The white paper recommends expanding efforts toward carbon capture, renewable energy, and sustainable hydrogen production. Currently, Kuwait is developing an energy transformation strategy targeted toward carbon sequestration, pollution management, and field development.
Efficient, Integrated, And Resilient Ecologies To Protect The Environment
Hydrogen, formerly seen as a minor industry, is quickly becoming a viable choice for a low or zero-carbon economy. The United Arab Emirates declared that it would manage investments in clean energy projects worth 163 billion dollars. As part of the region’s overall effort to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and support well-being, the Middle East works to adopt effective and stable environmental ecosystems. Protecting these ecosystems will lessen the financial toll of resource damage, degradation, and deterioration. Sustainable use of natural resources is also crucial for maintaining economic growth and boosting output. Yet new developments will be needed to increase the effectiveness of hydrogen production and coordinate and standardize the global flow of energy across networks.
