New developments in the hydrogen market. Researchers at the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi have discovered a way to produce pink hydrogen from coalbed methane waste. Dubai is a member of the OPEC oil cartel and has been a leader in the energy market for decades. Despite changes in the global energy model, they are determined not to relinquish their leading role. The United Arab Emirates is evaluating this production line, which harnesses the heat from nuclear power plants, and is therefore considering new techniques to produce various energy resources.
After unveiling its updated natural hydrogen strategy in July, the United Arab Emirates created a plan that will help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050
According to experts, hydrogen has a wide range of applications and can be implemented in sectors such as industry and transportation, hence the importance of investing in this field. Therefore, after unveiling its updated natural hydrogen strategy in July, the United Arab Emirates created a plan that will help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and is part of a broader plan to utilize renewable energy by 2030. In this regard, to reach these goals, researchers are undertaking numerous initiatives aimed at focusing efforts on hydrogen.
Renewable energy is a reality for the United Arab Emirates. Successful research has enabled the production of blue and gray hydrogen from natural gas, as well as green hydrogen through water electrolysis. In this regard, the first green hydrogen facility in Dubai is now operational, and energy engineers expect it to help boost the renewable energy sector in the MENA region. The UAE is also evaluating this production line, which utilizes heat from nuclear power plants. The renewable energy for generating green hydrogen comes from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. It is estimated that this immense solar facility will have a production capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 48% of global hydrogen production is derived from natural gas
While the UAE plans to meet demand for both domestic use and export, it already has two official hydrogen production centers: one in Ruwais and another in Kizad, Abu Dhabi, with a third under development in Fujairah. As stated by Al Olama, UAE Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, the Gulf state has committed to producing 1.4 million tons of hydrogen annually by 2031 and expects to generate up to 15 million tons by 2050. Currently, hydrogen is extracted from two main sources. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 48% of global hydrogen production is derived from natural gas, while 30% comes from petroleum.
Although hydrogen has been studied for a long time, the Gulf state hopes to produce pink hydrogen from coalfields (especially in Fujairah) with plans to leverage its existing pipeline infrastructure to transport this gas, surpassing all other hydrogen colors. Al Olama also noted that Fujairah, being the world’s third-largest supplier of fuel for coalfields, requires more infrastructure and storage facilities. Therefore, returning to the main point, we know that Barakah is the first reactor of the first nuclear power plant in an Arab country and is part of a government plan to build three more civilian reactors, which are expected to become operational by 2023.
Finally, and taking into account the international agenda, oil-producing countries have emphasized the need to increase production levels in the industry, particularly through the use of renewable energy and by ensuring an inclusive energy transition. This hydrogen production will boost the energy industry and reduce emissions in sectors such as heavy industry, aviation, road transport, and maritime shipping. The United Arab Emirates is interested in implementing all the necessary infrastructure to support renewable energy and utilizing nuclear water from coal deposits for energy exports, something of paramount importance given the current climate.