Gulf Countries Embrace Green Energy: A Focus on CCUS and Hydrogen Development
Key Ideas
  • Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are heavily investing in carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), and hydrogen projects to reduce carbon emissions and meet the demand for clean energy.
  • The Middle East's vast natural resources, low-cost solar energy, and supportive government policies position it to lead in CCUS and hydrogen production, potentially generating significant revenue by 2050.
  • Carbon capture technology is gaining momentum globally, with 569 projects in progress and a need for 1.2 billion tonnes per annum (tpa) of CCUS capacity by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • Hydrogen, as a cleaner energy source, is also a focus for Gulf countries, with Saudi Arabia aiming to become the world's largest hydrogen producer by 2035 and other nations like the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman developing national strategies.
Gulf countries, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are making substantial investments in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen projects to combat carbon emissions and cater to the increasing demand for clean energy. The Middle East's abundance of natural resources, cost-effective solar energy, and favorable governmental support positions the region as a potential global leader in CCUS and hydrogen production. Despite the promises these technologies hold for decarbonization, questions linger regarding their scalability and long-term sustainability. National oil companies in the Gulf are accelerating their efforts in CCUS, hydrogen, and cleaner energy sources to reduce carbon intensity and align with the global energy transition. Carbon capture technology allows hydrocarbons producers to extract carbon from their operations, with 569 projects underway globally as of March 2023. However, there is a requirement for 1.2 billion tonnes per annum (tpa) of CCUS capacity by 2030 to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Gulf countries are pivotal in this landscape, with the potential to generate substantial revenue through CCUS projects. In addition to CCUS, Gulf nations are also focusing on hydrogen production, with Saudi Arabia leading the way with ambitious projects. The country aims to be the top hydrogen producer globally by 2035, showcasing significant developments in the green energy sector. Other Gulf states like the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman are also formulating national strategies for hydrogen. Collaboration between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and BP highlights the growing partnerships in the green energy space, as they work on hydrogen projects in the UAE and the UK, signaling a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
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