The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is setting ambitious goals in the field of green hydrogen with the launch of its comprehensive National Hydrogen Strategy. Developed in partnership with GHD and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Integrated Energy Systems CINES, the strategy aims to leverage the country’s abundant natural resources, financial strength, and strategic positioning to become a leading global producer of low-carbon hydrogen by 2031.
With exponential growth in hydrogen production, green job creation, and the establishment of hydrogen oases and research centers, the UAE is poised to drive sustainable advancements in the hydrogen industry and contribute to a greener future.
The UAE’s ambitious National Hydrogen Strategy is built around the vision of becoming a prominent global producer of low-carbon hydrogen by the nation’s 60th anniversary in 2031. To achieve this, the strategy focuses on leveraging the UAE’s vast natural gas reserves, high solar radiance, and strategic positioning as an energy and business hub. With financial resources and a high credit rating, the UAE is well-equipped to lead the way in low-carbon hydrogen production.
GHD and Fraunhofer CINES partnered with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) to deliver the National Hydrogen Strategy. The partnership ensured a fact-based analysis of opportunities and challenges in establishing a hydrogen-based economy in the UAE. GHD collaborated with stakeholders to co-design the strategic framework, while Fraunhofer contributed technical expertise from its HYPAT – Hydrogen Potential Atlas project and extensive research from primary and secondary sources.
The National Hydrogen Strategy outlines several key highlights that aim to position the UAE as a frontrunner in hydrogen development:
Exponential Hydrogen Production Growth: The strategy targets a production of 1.4 million tonnes per annum of low-emission hydrogen by 2031, with 71.4% being green hydrogen. By 2050, the UAE aims to scale up production tenfold, reaching 15 million tonnes per annum.
Green Job Creation: The strategy envisions the creation of thousands of new green jobs by 2031, driving economic growth and developing a skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector.
Hydrogen Infrastructure Expansion: The UAE plans to establish two hydrogen oases (hubs) by 2031, supporting the hydrogen economy. Additionally, a hydrogen center for research and development will be set up by 2031, transforming into a globally recognized innovation center by 2050.
The National Hydrogen Strategy sets the stage for the UAE’s ambitious hydrogen goals, with the next milestone being the development of a Low Carbon Hydrogen policy. This policy will be instrumental in providing a clear and consistent regulatory environment to support the hydrogen industry.
Building a successful hydrogen economy requires various enablers, including infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and supportive policies. GHD remains committed to unlocking sustainable pathways to net-zero, and the hydrogen economy plays a crucial role in this decarbonization journey.
Fraunhofer CINES, as Europe’s largest applied research organization, brings its expertise to the UAE’s hydrogen strategy. The organization aims to develop and test hydrogen technologies for industrial partners in the UAE and drive innovation along the entire hydrogen value chain.
The UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy represents a transformative vision for the country’s future. By harnessing the potential of low-carbon hydrogen production, the UAE aims to play a leading role in shaping the global hydrogen market, while contributing to a more sustainable and greener future for all.
