We are thrilled to announce the participation of a distinguished delegation at the 27th Arab-German Business Forum held from June 2-5, 2024, in Berlin, Germany, where the focus was squarely on the burgeoning field of hydrogen cooperation.
Renewable and low-carbon hydrogen are seen as integral components for the energy transition and decarbonisation worldwide, the development of the hydrogen sector and related economic cooperation potentials has considerably gained importance over the last years. Many countries in the MENA region offer excellent conditions for hydrogen production as well as extensive energy expertise and are thus well placed to play a central role in the nascent international hydrogen market. Germany, as well as the larger EU market, envisage large quantities of imported hydrogen to meet their energy needs, particularly regarding the decarbonization of its industries. Given such complementarities, cooperation in the field of hydrogen offers potentials for deepened economic ties between Germany and countries in the MENA region. Challenges and open questions, however, remain regarding the concrete development of partnerships and offtake agreements, regulatory specifications as well as transport options. Against this backdrop, the Regional Programme Energy Security and Climate Change Middle East and North Africa of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa) are jointly organizing a delegation visit to Berlin. This programme offers an opportunity for a group of selected female hydrogen experts from Morocco, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates to participate in the 27th Arab-German Business Forum and to have in-depth discussions with eminent German political and economic stakeholders on the latest developments concerning hydrogen cooperation. The aim is to increase the mutual understanding of priorities and recent developments in the hydrogen field as well as to identify concrete potentials for German-Arab cooperation on hydrogen. Through its focus on women, the programme also provides an opportunity to highlight the female expertise and leadership in the hydrogen sector in the Arab and German business landscape and to foster networks for cooperation.
The delegation discussed important topics with key stakeholders related to: Priorities of German energy policy, Energy partnerships with MENA, German hydrogen import strategy, Hydrogen strategies and partnerships, Work of KAS in energy, Cooperation potentials with MENA, H2Global initiative, and Private sector hydrogen priorities.
The program, with a focus on highlighting the expertise and leadership of women in the hydrogen sector, aimed to foster stronger networks for cooperation.
Additionally, our Director Dr. Sausan Al- Riyami was participated as a panelist on Panel 5: Green Horizons: “Navigating Resilient Supply Chains and Sustainable Energy Cooperation” and are committed to contributing further to these critical discussions.