Hamburg and the United Arab Emirates Cooperate on Green Hydrogen

Northern Germany and the United Arab Emirates are pioneers in the production and use of the future technology green hydrogen. Representatives from politics and business from both regions have exchanged views on current developments, experiences, and opportunities for collaboration. Hamburg, with its port, is set to become a hydrogen hub.

(Hamburg) “Green hydrogen connects the three important future fields of innovative technologies, climate protection, and northern German cooperation,” says Malte Heyne, Managing Director of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. “Northern Germany has a very good starting position for the production of green hydrogen due to the use of wind energy. Through our port, Hamburg can become the hydrogen hub in Northern Germany. However, we also rely on imports and thus on close international cooperation to meet future demands.”

Construction of a New Facility in the Emirates

The United Arab Emirates are also focusing on green hydrogen as an energy carrier. “In the United Arab Emirates, the diversification of energy sources and the establishment of a solid foundation for clean, renewable energies are at the center of our vision as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our country,” says the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Berlin, H.E. Hafsa Al Ulama. “Just this month, two important announcements were made: on the one hand, the cooperation between Siemens and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) for the construction of the first large-scale facility for green hydrogen in the MENA region, and on the other hand, the announcement from Abu Dhabi regarding the planned construction of a facility for green hydrogen and ammonia worth $1 billion.”

Hamburg as a Center for Green Hydrogen

Hydrogen also plays a significant role for the city of Hamburg. “We are working hard to make Hamburg and Northern Germany the center for green hydrogen,” says Michael Westhagemann, Senator for Economic Affairs and Innovation. “With wind energy at our doorstep and a strong industry on the user side, we have the best conditions for this. We are keeping the entire value chain in mind – from production from renewable energies, through storage, transport, and application, we will cover all steps here with us. This enables us to achieve rapid decarbonization and meet our climate goals. However, it is also clear that the green hydrogen produced here will not be sufficient to meet the demand in the economy and industry. Therefore, we are seeking collaboration with regions where electricity can be generated from, for example, sufficient solar energy. That is why we are discussing possible cooperation for the import of green hydrogen to Hamburg. I am very pleased that the United Arab Emirates are also increasingly focusing on green hydrogen. I thank Sharif S. Al Olama, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Energy and Industry, and the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hafsa Al Ulama, for the interesting exchange.”

Reducing Costs and Increasing Safety

For the United Arab Emirates as a potential exporter, the energy carrier hydrogen will also bring numerous opportunities and challenges. “We are rapidly advancing our plans regarding hydrogen by collaborating with our global partners and focusing on generating the right energy mix while remaining committed to the environment,” says H.E. Sharif Salim Al Olama, Secretary of State in the Emirati Ministry of Energy. “We believe that the focus at this stage should be on reducing costs and increasing safety so that hydrogen can be introduced worldwide. We also believe that reducing or eliminating the emissions associated with hydrogen production should also be a priority.”
Photo: © Hamburg Chamber of Commerce / Caption: Headquarters of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce