Within the ongoing energy transformation in Saudi Arabia, hydrogen surely undertakes an always more prominent role: as energy carrier, storage but also to decarbonize domestic industries, its function are numerous. With its remarkable renewable energy potential, the Kingdom unfolds hydrogen production of impressive dimensions.
Ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Riyadh welcomed on 4th and 5th March 2024 a large crowd of experts, academics, companies and consultants for the two-day Saudi Arabia Green Energy Week.
The event, which proposed panel discussions and company presentations, provided a good glimpse of new trends and technological developments in renewables (mainly solar) and clean hydrogen production and usage.
Also, the numerous panels highlighted the challenges renewables´ and hydrogen production ramp up are still facing. Requirements for certifications of clean hydrogen up to access to large pools of skilled labour but also access to finance were some of the tackled topics.
Along distinguished colleagues from academia (Prof. Nurunnabi from Prince Sultan University), and from industry (Dr. Ansari from SABIC, Mr. Alemam from EDF and Mr. Alhakeem, formerly from Neom Green Hydrogen Company), H2-diplo took part in a lively debate focusing on the numerous tasks remaining on hydrogen´s way to become another internationally traded energy commodity from Saudi Arabia to the world.
Next to EDF, SABIC and NGHC, Prof. Nurunnabi stressed the need for dialogue platforms to be created so that even more exchanges occur among relevant energy stakeholders. Indeed, both companies and academia are taking substantial steps in the swift development of both research and actual projects. However, more interactions and communication are requested to even and accelerate renewables and hydrogen´s deployment.
There, H2-diplo happens to be the right tool by offering such dialogue platforms and bringing key energy and climate actors to the table for discussion. Next, H2-diplo oversees the occurring disruptions in the energy system from a multi-sectoral lens, linking the dots between actors and fostering understanding among each other.
Riyadh has tremendously gained attraction over the years and has become a favored place for international energy events and industrial trade fairs. There, the Saudi capital intends to organize such specific events on a regular basis for the energy community to meet and exchange as often as needed for renewables and hydrogen´s ramp up to take firm ground.
For more news about the H2-diplo activities, follow us on LinkedIn: Global Hydrogen Diplomacy: Übersicht | LinkedIn
