The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has set an ambitious goal to produce nearly 10 million tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2030, with a primary focus on green hydrogen, according to a report by Dubai-based Dii Desert Energy, reports Hydrogen Central.
The region has announced over 110 hydrogen projects, requiring a combined renewable energy capacity of more than 450 GW. Dii Desert Energy estimates that achieving the 10 million tonne target will necessitate approximately 128 GW of additional renewable energy capacity. However, the report notes that many of these projects are expected to be completed after 2030.
Over 90% of the planned projects are centred on green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources. The remaining 10% are categorized as “blue” hydrogen, generated from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage, and “yellow” hydrogen, which utilizes waste as a feedstock.
Egypt currently leads the region with 29 announced hydrogen projects, largely due to a series of agreements signed during the COP27 climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022.
Saudi Arabia has set the most ambitious target, encompassing various types of hydrogen. The Kingdom is home to NEOM, a large-scale project by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) that is pioneering hydrogen innovation.
“Currently under construction, NEOM Green Hydrogen aims to produce 1.2 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, powered by two dedicated 4 GW solar and wind projects,” said Chiara Aruffo, Director of Research at Dii Desert Energy.
The UAE aims to become a major producer of low-emissions hydrogen by 2031. Its strategy includes developing supply chains, establishing hydrogen hubs, and creating research centres for hydrogen technologies. The UAE National Hydrogen Strategy 2050 targets 1.4 million tonnes of hydrogen production by 2031, with 1 million tonnes from green hydrogen and 0.4 million tonnes from blue hydrogen. Several projects are in progress, including two pilot projects already in operation.
In Oman, the state-run Hydrom is leading green hydrogen development, targeting production of 1-1.25 million tonnes per year by 2030.
Through two rounds of auctions, Hydrom has awarded eight projects, five in Duqm and three in Salalah. “If all awarded projects are realized on time, the production target for 2030 will likely be exceeded and reach 1.38 million tonnes,” Aruffo stated.
