Nov 4, 2021
The UAE Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap outlines the nation's vision and strategy for becoming a global leader in the low-carbon hydrogen sector. Recognizing the potential of hydrogen as a key measure to combat climate change, the UAE aims to tap into the projected $400+ billion hydrogen business by 2050.
UAE Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap Summary:
The UAE Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap, dated 4th November 2021, outlines the nation's vision and strategy for becoming a global leader in the low-carbon hydrogen sector. Recognizing the potential of hydrogen as a key measure to combat climate change, the UAE aims to tap into the projected $400+ billion hydrogen business by 2050. The country's unique position, with its natural competitive advantages in both blue and green hydrogen production, makes it a prime candidate for leadership in this domain. The roadmap emphasizes the UAE's commitment to diversifying its economy, expanding existing industries, and fostering the growth of new sectors centered around hydrogen.
The UAE has set ambitious targets, aiming for a 25% market share of low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives in key import markets by 2030. Initial focus areas include Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe. To support this vision, the UAE has already initiated over seven projects, with a combined capacity to deliver 0.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) of hydrogen. These projects are backed by national champions and are complemented by test cargoes of blue ammonia.
The roadmap identifies three primary objectives:
Generate new value sources for the UAE through exports of low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives.
Offer industrial opportunities within the UAE centered around low-carbon hydrogen.
Support the UAE's strategic initiative to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in sectors that are challenging to decarbonize.
To achieve these objectives, the UAE government plans to provide a clear regulatory framework, develop new hydrogen technologies, leverage existing and new government-to-government relationships, allocate land and infrastructure resources, and access green financing.
By 2050, the UAE anticipates a domestic hydrogen demand in the range of 4-10 Mtpa H2, targeting applications in oil refining, ammonia production, industrial heat, steel production, power storage, heavy road transport, ocean shipping, and sustainable aviation fuel. The roadmap also highlights the country's ongoing efforts, including pilot projects and demonstrations, to establish its presence in the global hydrogen market.
The roadmap concludes by acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various partners, including the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance and the National Hydrogen Technical Committee, in driving the UAE's hydrogen vision forward.
Read the roadmap here: