The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set ambitious goals for hydrogen production as part of its energy strategy review. The country aims to produce 1.4 million tons of hydrogen per year by 2031, with a vision to increase production tenfold to 15 million tons by 2050.
This announcement comes ahead of the UAE hosting the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP28) in November, where its climate change efforts will be in the spotlight.
As one of the world’s largest oil exporters, the UAE recognizes the need to transition to cleaner energy sources and achieve climate neutrality by mid-century. The focus on hydrogen production aligns with the UAE’s plan to diversify its energy mix and reduce carbon emissions. Sherif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, expressed confidence that green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources will become increasingly cost-effective, positioning the UAE as a major producer.
The UAE’s clean energy company, Masdar, is expected to contribute to the hydrogen production target by generating one million tons of green hydrogen by 2031. The remaining 0.4 million tons will be produced as blue hydrogen using natural gas. To support this endeavor, the UAE plans to establish two hydrogen parks or production centers in Ruwais and the Khalifa Industrial Zone in Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). By 2050, the country aims to have a total of five hydrogen production centers.
The revised energy plan also includes a significant expansion of renewable energy capacity. The UAE plans to triple its renewable energy production capacity from 3.2 gigawatts to 14 gigawatts by 2030. This increase in clean energy generation is expected to reduce the total costs of power generation by 100 to 150 billion dirhams by 2030.
In a related development, Minister of Climate Change and Environment Maryam Al Muhairi recently announced an enhanced roadmap to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, surpassing the previous target of 31 percent.
The UAE’s commitment to hydrogen production reflects the global shift toward sustainable and decarbonized energy systems. As hydrogen emerges as a crucial element of the future energy landscape, the UAE aims to position itself as a leader in the production and utilization of this clean fuel source. Through investments in green and blue hydrogen, as well as renewable energy expansion, the UAE strives to contribute to global climate goals and showcase its commitment to a sustainable future.
