< Previous78 The UAE has started its first wind energy initiative to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and diversify its energy sources. Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s clean energy leader, announced the development of a significant 103.5-megawatt wind project spread across four sites. This includes a 45MW wind farm on Sir Bani Yas Island unveiled in October 2023 where the region’s first wind turbine has been installed. This 65-metre-high turbine features three rotor blades, each with a wingspan of 52 metres, and has a production capacity of 850 kilowatts per hour. Additional locations for the wind farms include Delma Island (27MW), Al Sila in Abu Dhabi (27MW), and Al Halah in Fujairah, which will generate 4.5MW of electricity. This wind initiative is expected to supply power to over 23,000 homes annually, offsetting 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Masdar says this reduction is comparable to removing more than 26,000 cars from the road each year. Wind energy was previously impractical in the UAE due to low wind speeds. However, advancements in climate technology have now made the project “scalable and economically feasible,” according to Masdar. The initiative has capitalised on the use of larger turbines, reduced hardware costs, and the identification of a unique weather pattern that produces strong winds during the night. “Since wind power is at its peak during nighttime in the UAE, it effectively complements the country’s existing solar power generation, further enhancing the diversity of the nation’s renewable energy portfolio,” the company explained. OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_76-79_Wind Masdar_13331837.indd 78OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_76-79_Wind Masdar_13331837.indd 7810/07/2024 09:4610/07/2024 09:4679 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_76-79_Wind Masdar_13331837.indd 79OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_76-79_Wind Masdar_13331837.indd 7910/07/2024 09:4610/07/2024 09:4680 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_80-81_Blank and In Depth title_13334173.indd 80OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_80-81_Blank and In Depth title_13334173.indd 8010/07/2024 09:4710/07/2024 09:4781 IN DEPTH OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_80-81_Blank and In Depth title_13334173.indd 81OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_80-81_Blank and In Depth title_13334173.indd 8110/07/2024 09:4710/07/2024 09:478282 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 82OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 8210/07/2024 09:4710/07/2024 09:4783 HOW OMAN AND MOROCCO ARE LEADING THE GREEN HYDROGEN CHARGE 83 Heralded as the fuel of the future, green hydrogen is poised to revolutionise global energy systems, offering a cleaner, sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Utilising the limitless power of the sun and wind, this cutting-edge technology not only champions environmental preservation but also serves as a crucial pivot for countries aiming to transition to green energy economies. Amidst this worldwide shift, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) stand out, with Oman and Morocco taking the lead. Understanding Green Hydrogen At its core, green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water—a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity derived from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods, which often rely on fossil fuels, green hydrogen’s reliance on renewables means its production is virtually free of carbon emissions. This characteristic positions green hydrogen as a critical element in decarbonising sectors where reducing emissions is particularly challenging, including heavy industry, chemicals manufacturing, and long-haul transportation. The Strategic Pivot in the Middle East: A Look at Oman Oman is strategically advancing its position in the global green hydrogen sector with substantial investments and partnerships aimed at harnessing its renewable energy potential. The Sultanate has embarked on a transformative journey with the signing of three pivotal agreements for green hydrogen projects, bringing together a consortium of international and local partners. These agreements mark a significant step towards Oman’s ambitious goal of becoming a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen. The first agreement involves a consortium comprised of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Blue Power Partners, and Al Khadra, part of OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 83OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 8310/07/2024 09:4710/07/2024 09:4784 Oman’s Hind Bahwan Group, which aims to produce green hydrogen for green steel plants located in the Port of Duqm. This project is expected to yield around 200 KTPA of green hydrogen from 4.5 GW of installed renewable energy capacity. The second project, signed with BP Oman, focuses on green hydrogen production for ammonia, with an anticipated annual output of 150 KTPA from 3.5 GW of renewable sources. The third agreement, with Green Energy Oman (GEO), also aims at ammonia export, planning to produce 150 KTPA of green hydrogen from 4 GW of installed renewables. These initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to Oman’s economy, supporting GDP growth, investment, and employment, as highlighted by Fitch Ratings. Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Ambition In parallel, Morocco is taking bold steps to establish itself as a leader in green hydrogen production in North Africa. The Moroccan government’s recent announcement to allocate 1 million hectares for green hydrogen projects underscores its commitment to accelerating the energy transition. Starting with 300,000 hectares in the first phase, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract investors to the green hydrogen sector. Morocco’s green hydrogen initiative is comprehensive, covering the entire value chain from electricity generation from renewable sources to the conversion of green hydrogen into ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels. This integrated approach not only ensures the efficient use of renewable resources but also caters to both domestic and export markets, thereby enhancing the country’s energy security and economic resilience. The offer to investors includes incentives, although specifics were not detailed, highlight Morocco’s proactive stance in creating an attractive environment for green hydrogen investment. With ambitions to have renewables constitute 52% of its installed capacity by 2030, up from 37.6% currently, Morocco is on a fast track to becoming a significant player in the global green hydrogen market. The initiatives in Oman and Morocco are not isolated instances but part of a broader regional trend towards embracing green hydrogen as a cornerstone for sustainable development. The region’s abundant renewable energy resources, coupled with strategic geographic locations, present an unparalleled opportunity to lead the global shift towards green hydrogen. OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 84OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 8410/07/2024 09:4710/07/2024 09:4785 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 85OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 8510/07/2024 09:4710/07/2024 09:478686 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 86OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 8610/07/2024 09:4710/07/2024 09:4787 BRIDGING THE NATURAL GAS INVESTMENT GAP FOR A SUSTAINABLE TRANSITION At the International Energy Forum annual Symposium in Riyadh, the critical role of natural gas in the global energy mix, particularly as a cleaner alternative to coal and liquid fuels, was emphatically highlighted. Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, pointed out a concerning annual shortfall in global investment in natural gas development, estimated between $200 to $300 billion over the past decade. This gap, he warned, “risks supply imbalances with further price spikes globally as demand for natural gas rises in developing countries.” Natural gas is pivotal for power generation, acting as a reliable backup for renewable sources when conditions are not favourable for solar or wind energy production. However, Jafar stressed that the underinvestment in this sector could severely impact the energy trilemma—affordability, availability, and sustainability—particularly in the developing world, which is “central to achieving prosperity while tackling climate change.” The Gulf region’s role as a global energy hub was another focal point of the symposium, with Jafar noting its pioneering efforts in low- cost solar, green hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies. “The Gulf region has become a pioneer and proving ground for cutting- edge energy technologies,” Jafar stated, underlining the significant investments being made by regional powerhouses such as Aramco and ADNOC. Jafar also highlighted the projected growth in global LNG trade, which is expected to increase by 50% by 2040. However, he cautioned that the “underinvestment in infrastructure and supply is leading to OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 87OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_82-89_Morocco Oman Green Hydrogen_13332249.indd 8710/07/2024 09:4710/07/2024 09:47Next >