Kuwait’s Strategic Shift Toward Low-Carbon Hydrogen
As the world races towards carbon neutrality, Kuwait emerges as a key player in the realm of low-carbon hydrogen, a groundbreaking energy resource touted for its potential to reshape the environmental landscape.
Hydrogen, often hailed as a safe and clean energy source, is gaining prominence globally, with Kuwait positioning itself at the forefront of harnessing its diverse applications.
With approximately 17 methods to produce low-carbon hydrogen, emitting less than 2.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide for every kilogram of hydrogen, the stage is set for a transformative energy shift. Noteworthy among these methods are “green hydrogen,” produced by wind and solar-powered devices, and “blue hydrogen,” extracted from natural gas as a byproduct.
Kuwait’s foray into the realm of low-carbon hydrogen is not merely a venture; it’s a strategic move towards a sustainable future. Dr. Fotouh Al-Ragom, Manager of the Energy Efficiency Technologies Program at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), emphasises Kuwait’s abundance of renewable resources, envisioning the production of green hydrogen for both domestic consumption and international export.
Aligning with global commitments, Kuwait sets ambitious targets for carbon neutrality. Dr. Al-Ragom underscores the importance of reducing direct and indirect carbon emissions, emphasising the need to curtail gas burning in extraction and production operations while promoting a circular economy.
Abdulmotai emphasises the need for robust infrastructure
Wael Abdulmotai, a natural gas industries expert at the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), sheds light on challenges. While hydrogen usage is not novel, the high production cost poses a hurdle. Abdulmotai emphasises the need for robust infrastructure, akin to oil and natural gas, to facilitate international commerce. Policies, he asserts, must be crafted for the mutual benefit of consumers and producers.
Abdulmotai highlights Arab countries’ leadership in utilising green and blue hydrogen, poised for export to markets in Europe and Asia. He underscores the importance of cooperation and partnership with global entities, citing ongoing projects and the Saudi NEOM Green Hydrogen Company as pioneering initiatives.
Kuwait’s commitment extends beyond rhetoric. Plans to capture carbon elements in grey hydrogen, transforming it into blue hydrogen, showcase a forward-looking approach. Abdullah Al-Mutairi, CEO of EnerTech Holding Company, emphasises Kuwait’s comprehensive strategy, allocating substantial funds to transform energy usage by 2050.
The global landscape witnesses a paradigm shift as countries like Oman launch ambitious projects like Green Energy Oman (GEO), focusing on green hydrogen and carbon-free fuel. As the cost of renewable energy decreases, Kuwait and other nations position themselves to lead the “new economy” grounded in electric technology, promising lower carbon emissions and a safer environment.
The Inaugural Kuwait International Hydrogen Technology Symposium to highlight Carbon Neutrality
The Arab Association of Energy Professionals (AEP) has organised the inaugural Kuwait International Hydrogen Technology Symposium, themed, ‘The Kuwait Hydrogen Outlook from Vision to Action. This grand two-day event will take place from March 5-6, 2024, in Kuwait City.
Given the growing need for a sustainable and low-carbon future, the symposium emphasises the transformative potential of Hydrogen energy and Kuwait’s burgeoning role in producing blue and green Hydrogen, according to a corporate press release.
The World, now more than ever, is calling for a revolutionary shift in energy generation, affordability, and security, wherein Hydrogen will play a critical role. The event will strategically highlight Kuwait’s path to becoming a global Hydrogen hub, emphasising the extensive resources the country possesses and its comprehensive initiatives towards achieving a net zero economy.
Significant contributions coming from Kuwait
With the forthcoming advancements in technology and government backing, it is predicted that Kuwait has the potential to contribute significantly to the world’s hydrogen market,” stressed the Executive Committee Co-Chair, Abdullah Al-Mutairi, Manager (Production and Projects-GAS), Kuwait Oil Company & Executive Committee Co-Chair, Peter Jensen, ETSA Contract Manager North Kuwaiti Jurassic Gas, Shell.
This Symposium seeks to stimulate discussion and drive both collaboration and action. Our vision for Kuwait is a nation empowered by Sustainable Energy, driving an energy transformation to enhance economic diversification, job creation, and sustainability. The transition to hydrogen is not just an opportunity for Kuwait but a commitment towards building a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
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