UAE mulls hydrogen as a renewable energy source

dubai - Solar-powered hydrogen plant breaks ground

The production of hydrogen using renewable forms of energy such as solar and wind, and its subsequent use to power applications in various sectors, will put the UAE on the global map, experts said at the ground breaking ceremony of the region's first solar-powered Green Hydrogen project.

The solar-driven hydrogen electrolysis facility will be located at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, broke ground for the project on Sunday.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens.

"Dewa, Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens are working together to help realise His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai's, vision to identify new energy resources and provide sustainable power as part of a balanced approach that prioritises the environment. Our aim is to make Dubai a model of energy efficiency and safety," said Sheikh Ahmed.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa, said the project was important to understand the limits of green hydrogen technology and how it can contribute to the UAE's vision of clean energy.

"This pioneering project is a role model for strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. It will contribute to developing the green economy concept in the UAE and explore the potential of green hydrogen technology. The hydrogen produced at the facility will be stored and deployed for re-electrification, transportation and other uses."

Joe Kaeser, president and CEO of Siemens, said the UAE was the perfect location for Siemens to test the technology. One of the main use cases that the company was aiming for was to use the hydrogen to power Dubai's public transportation system.

"We are aware of the stress that is placed on vehicles in this region due to the high levels of heat; with hydrogen cells, you are not putting as much strain on the vehicle and that improves its longevity. However, this is only the first step and we are eager to explore more ways in which we can adapt the technology to other sectors. The interest from various companies and partners has been immense and we are eager to work with all interested parties."

Expo 2020 Dubai intends to showcase hydrogen mobility by powering a number of fuel-cell vehicles with the hydrogen generated at the facility, and transport Expo 2020 Dubai visitors to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Live data of the green hydrogen electrolysis will be displayed at Expo 2020 Dubai.

- rohma@khaleejtimes.com