The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) have held a meeting to discuss bilateral cooperation in hydrogen, as part of the UAE-France Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership.
The meeting, attended by representatives from the government, private sector, and academia, highlighted the UAE’s strategy to develop its hydrogen capacity and France’s technologies in this regard, with a focus on deploying low-carbon hydrogen. Major players in the energy sector, including Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), presented their plans and projects for hydrogen production and nuclear-derived hydrogen. The two sides agreed to establish a committee to exchange ideas on the potential of hydrogen as the fuel of the future. This meeting aligns with the UAE’s objective of enhancing cooperation with other countries for energy security, energy transition, and climate action, particularly in preparation for hosting the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The UAE, as a major oil producer, has recognized the importance of diversifying its energy sources and is investing in the development of its hydrogen capacity. France, on the other hand, has been a leader in the use of nuclear energy for hydrogen production and is also investing in other low-carbon hydrogen technologies.
The meeting between the UAE and France is a significant step in advancing global cooperation in the field of hydrogen. Both countries have ambitious plans to reduce their carbon emissions and transition to a more sustainable energy future. The UAE has set a target of producing 1,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per day by 2030, while France has set a target of producing 10% of its hydrogen from renewable sources by 2023 and 20% by 2028.
The establishment of a committee to exchange ideas on the potential of hydrogen as the fuel of the future is a positive step towards advancing global cooperation and accelerating the deployment of low-carbon hydrogen technologies. This could lead to increased collaboration between countries in developing and sharing new technologies and knowledge, as well as providing a platform for joint research and development projects.
In conclusion, the UAE-France meeting highlights the importance of global cooperation in advancing the use of hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy source. The potential impact of this cooperation is significant, as it could help countries achieve their climate goals while also providing new opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the energy sector.
