The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and a delegation from the Netherlands embassy discussed ways of strengthening their cooperation in the energy sector and the futuristic goals for hydrogen energy as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in March this year to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonisation of the energy sector and increasing the use of clean hydrogen.

The meeting, which was held during ADIPEC 2022, has been chaired by HE Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for the Energy and Petroleum Sector, and HE Douwe Buzeman, Deputy Head of Netherlands Mission in presence of HE Eng Yousef Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water and Future Energy Sector and other senior officials.

Sharif Al Olama said: “The meeting is part of the two countries' efforts to enhance the bilateral relation in the hydrogen energy sector after the signing of the (MOU) in March this year. Hydrogen energy is part of the strategic planning for the energy sector as it is a source of clean energy and contributes to emission reduction policy.”

“There has been an outstanding demand for a global hydrogen economy as the world works to achieve fair transfer of energy by overcoming the increasing difficulties. The government, investors, private sector and civil society should join hands to enhance their capabilities in the Hydrogen low carbon and alleviate the green economy by expanding the transformation in the energy sector and cooperation between global parties.”

He added that UAE has natural resources, capabilities and experience in Hydrogen energy to make the country one of the leading countries.

“UAE has major steps in clean energy by launching the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix to meet the UAE’s economic requirements and environmental goals and to reduce dependence on other fuel sources over the next three decades,” said Al Olama.

Moreover, Eng Yousef Al Ali, said that such international partnerships support the UAE’s target to maximize the use of Hydrogen energy, expand the production of clean energy and support Paris Climate Change Agreement in line with the UAE hosting COP28.

“UAE and Netherlands has a friendly and developing relationship in the energy sector since the 50s of last century. The cooperation in hydrogen energy will boost the partnership based on common interest and benefits.”