A recent study from Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology has unveiled promising developments in hydrogen-powered aircraft, suggesting that short- and medium-haul flights within a 1200-kilometer range could utilize hydrogen fuel by 2045. The Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, stands at the forefront of this green hydrogen revolution, with significant investments and strategic initiatives underway.
Hydrogen-Powered Aviation
The Chalmers University study highlights hydrogen’s potential as a clean fuel, with only water as its emission. Researchers are working on advanced fuel tanks and heat exchangers to make hydrogen storage and usage viable for aircraft. The first commercial hydrogen flights could take off as early as 2028, transforming the aviation industry.
Middle East’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the charge in green hydrogen development. The UAE plans to produce 1.4 million tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen annually by 2031, contributing significantly to its national hydrogen strategy formulated ahead of COP28. This initiative is expected to add AED 32 billion annually to Dubai’s GDP by 2050 and create over 120,000 jobs.
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s clean energy company, aims to produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. It has partnered with international companies like Spain’s Iberdrola and Austria’s Verbund Green Hydrogen to develop large-scale projects in Europe and the US.
Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious Neom project, plans to become the world’s largest green hydrogen producer. The Neom plant targets a daily production of 650 tonnes starting in 2026.
Regional Impact and Global Partnerships
The UAE has established pilot projects, including the ‘H2GO’ refueling station, to test hydrogen-powered vehicles. Masdar’s partnerships aim to build significant green hydrogen production plants, and ADNOC has signed a $16.25 billion partnership for green finance with Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
These efforts underscore the Middle East’s commitment to leading the global transition to green hydrogen, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and fostering sustainable development in the region.
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