Highlights

The Emirati-German Energy Partnership has been an enabler for the bilateral energy and climate cooperation between the UAE and Germany since 2017. With meetings between high-level government representatives, delegation visits, study tours, expert workshops the partnership continuously facilitates exchange and mutual learning between the UAE and Germany for effective climate protection and a successful energy transition. Through the support of strategic initiatives and bilateral energy projects in the UAE and Germany the partnership supports Emirati and German businesses in the sustainable energy field.

 

Please scroll down for an overview of the milestones and recent highlights of the bilateral climate and energy cooperation between the UAE and Germany.

 

 

 

 

02
December
2023
02 December 2023

UAE and Germany discuss carbon pricing and hydrogen certification at COP28

In focus of the activities hosted by the Emirati-German Energy and Climate Partnership at COP28 have been carbon pricing, green hydrogen certification and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. An important milestone was the high-level panel to announce the upcoming Middle East Europe Future Energy Dialogue (MEFED) taking place in Thessaloniki in September 2024. Other highlights were the launch of a bilateral study on the UAE wind energy potential.

UAE and Germany discuss carbon pricing and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at COP28

The high-level dialogue “The Future of Carbon Pricing in Europe and the Middle East” attracted great interest and was attended by at least 170 participants. The UAE Minister of Climate Action and Environment, Mariam Al Mheiri, recognized the importance of a carbon price for climate protection in her opening statement. She added that the UAE is aims to introduce a system for monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of emissions by the end of 2024. Parliamentary State Secretary Stefan Wenzel responded in his opening that emissions trading is the most important policy instrument for achieving climate goals and welcomed the exchange with the UAE on carbon pricing. In the subsequent panel discussion, Malte Bornkamm (BMWK) addressed the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the German national emissions trading. UAE Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, Sharif Al Olama followed the event from the audience. The event was concluded by the UAE Ambassador to Germany H.E. Ahmed Alattar. Moderation was carried out by Henrik Schult (Guidehouse) and Eva Ramos (EAD).

Another high-level side event addressed the implications of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on bilateral trade between the UAE and Germany. The trade volume between UAE and EU has a rapidly increasing trend and amounted to 50 billion euros in 2022. Foreign trade with Germany has also increased significantly since 2020 (+51%) with strong import increases for LNG, heating oil and diesel from UAE to substitute Russian imports. Further strong increases can be observed in imports of iron and steel from the UAE. CBAM is expected to have a particular impact on the UAE's aluminum exports to the EU, with a volume of EUR 2.1 billion in 2022. In addition, impacts on the exchange of steel and iron as well as chemical products and fertilizers are expected. For the targeted hydrogen import from UAE, CBAM is providing incentives for a low carbon footprint.

Launch of joint study on wind energy potential of the UAE at COP28

The potential of wind energy has been explored in a joint study carried out by Guidehouse in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Offshore wind energy conditions are less favorable due to lower wind speeds in UAE’s territorial waters. Best onshore wind conditions have been identified in the Southwestern desert region of the UAE with mean wind speeds between 7.5 to 8 m/s at 150 m on annual average. Wind is stronger at night than during the day in the UAE. Combining wind and solar resources balances the power mix and allows for a higher utilisation of electrolysers to produce green hydrogen resulting in lower levelized costs of hydrogen. Find the full report in the publication section.

04
September
2023
04 September 2023

Germany hosts trilateral study tour for UAE & Israel on sustainable cities in Berlin

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action welcomed high-ranking delegations from the UAE and Israel to a trilateral dialogue on sustainable cities in Berlin from 4-7 September.

The trilateral dialogue between Germany, the UAE and Israel is an initiative to promote international cooperation in the spirit of the Abraham Accords and the exchange of experiences on urban energy transition and energy efficiency. By bringing together representatives from different countries, the dialogue provided a platform for exchanging expertise, experiences and best practices in the field of sustainable urban planning and developing approaches to effectively decarbonize the building sector. 

The study trip included visits to lighthouse projects and networking with technology providers. The start of the study trip was marked by the official reception of the delegation by representatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the Federal Foreign Office, the German Bundestag and the Embassies of the UAE and Israel. A trilateral workshop with a thematic focus on energy efficiency, sustainable cooling and smart buildings took place at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The focus of the knowledge exchange was on the technical, regulatory and economic framework for a successful energy transition in the building sector. Finally, the delegations from UAE and Israel were presented with innovative companies technological solutions for smart cities, sustainable cooling and energy savings in buildings.

The trilateral dialogue kicked off with a joint event during the UNFCCC climate conference COP27 in November 2022 in Egypt, where high-ranking actors from the UAE, Israel, and Germany exchanged views on their ambitious decarbonization plans in the building sector.

Germany maintains bilateral partnerships with the UAE and Israel with the common goal of advancing the energy transition and climate protection. This successful study tour reflects the participating countries' commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly development in urban areas and underlines their determination to shape a climate-friendly future together.

16
January
2023
16 January 2023

Germany and UAE set priorities for energy and climate cooperation in 2023

Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in December 2023 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Germany and the UAE will further deepen their energy cooperation and accelerate the implementation of concrete projects. This was decided during BMWK State Secretary Wenzel's visit to Abu Dhabi from January 13-16 to attend the annual General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the 7th Energy Day of the German-Emirati Energy and Climate Partnership, and the World Future Energy Summit.

Building on the highly successful cooperation of the past year, Germany and the UAE want to advance joint lighthouse projects in 2023. In particular, the focus is on the timely implementation of projects for green hydrogen and synthetic kerosene and on cooperation funding instruments like H2 Global. The national hydrogen strategy of the UAE is currently being developed with the support of Fraunhofer.

During the visit to Abu Dhabi, thyssenkrupp Uhde and the Emirati oil and gas company ADNOC also signed an agreement on the joint development of ammonia cracking plants. Ammonia is a hydrogen derivative that can play an important role in facilitating future imports of green hydrogen. Unlike pure hydrogen, ammonia can be transported more easily by ship and is already being shipped internationally in larger quantities. After landing in Germany, the ammonia must be converted back into hydrogen, a process known as "cracking."

Next to hydrogen, the expansion of renewable energies, e-mobility, energy efficiency in buildings as well as carbon pricing and climate protection are focus topics of the partnership. A climate pillar was recently added to the cooperation. The Energy and Climate Partnership is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Action (BMWK) and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Its implementationn is supported by Guidehouse and the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK).

21
October
2022
21 October 2022

First hydrogen shipment from UAE received by H.E. Sultan Al Jaber & Minister Robert Habeck in Hamburg

The first hydrogen delivery for Germany from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was welcomed at the port of Hamburg today by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck. Agreement on the delivery was reached during a visit to Abu Dhabi by a delegation led by Minister Habeck on 21 March. It is an important step for the planned expansion of a comprehensive hydrogen value chain between Germany and the UAE.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck said: "We now need to speed up the roll-out of the hydrogen economy more than ever. For this purpose, we are also establishing hydrogen production in Germany, but of course we rely in particular on imports of hydrogen. We therefore want to extend energy cooperation to this area.

"When I was in the United Arab Emirates seven months ago, it was agreed to establish an integrated hydrogen supply chain between the UAE and Germany. I am very pleased about the progress we have since made. Today we are receiving the first test shipment of low-carbon ammonia from the UAE in Hamburg. More will follow soon."

Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, said: "Hamburg aims to become a leading hydrogen hub in Europe. Aurubis and other companies located in Hamburg are already using innovative hydrogen technologies. Our port offers excellent conditions for importing and distributing renewable energy sources. As a globally networked trade and logistics city, Hamburg can contribute its expertise to the Energy and Climate Partnership between Germany and the United Arab Emirates. Firms in Hamburg are part of the current ammonia project in the fields of transport and application. I want to cordially thank everyone who has made this pilot project possible."

The hydrogen delivered by the Emirati company ADNOC was shipped in the form of blue ammonia, which is considered low-emission and, unlike green ammonia, is available in larger quantities. Tests of the deliveries are key to developing supply chains for green hydrogen in future. The Hamburg-based metal producer Aurubis is already using the first low-emission ammonia deliveries to make its energy-intense copper production climate-neutral. The aim is to substitute fossil fuels, including natural gas, in the long term. The second delivery is due to arrive in Hamburg early in November. More will follow for use by further customers.

Germany and the UAE have agreed to promote joint energy and industry projects by means of targeted political support. An Energy Security and Industry Accelerator (ESIA), which has already been agreed on, is to provide targeted funding for flagship projects in the fields of the mitigation of climate change, decarbonisation and energy security, including offshore wind power, PV and hydrogen projects, in cooperation with the bilateral Energy and Climate Partnership. In addition, cooperation is planned with H2Global, a central support mechanism to accelerate the bilateral and global roll-out of the hydrogen economy.

Germany intends to meet its the growing need for hydrogen, which will total 90 to 110 TWh by 2030 according to Federal Government estimates, by means of hydrogen imports.
Since 2017, Germany and the UAE have been working closely together in the context of the German-Emirati Energy and Climate Partnership in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency and hydrogen. On 12 October 2022, the existing Energy Partnership was extended by a climate pillar to deepen cooperation on the mitigation of climate change, decarbonisation, adjustment to climate change and carbon pricing. The UAE is aiming for net-zero climate neutrality by 2050 and will be hosting the 28th UN Climate Change Conference in 2023.

12
October
2022
12 October 2022 Berlin

Germany and UAE expand Energy Partnership to climate cooperation

State Secretary Dr. Patrick Graichen has agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on climate issues with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). An agreement was signed at the sidelines of the visit of UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam Al Mheiri to Berlin. Accordingly, the close bilateral Energy Partnership will be expanded to include a climate pillar. Jennifer Lee Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, and Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, attended the signing as representatives of the Federal Foreign Office and the Emirati Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

The UAE, seat country of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), is pursuing a net-zero emission target by 2050 and is hosting the 28th UNFCCC climate conference in 2023. As part of the Emirati-German Energy and Climate Partnership, Germany and the UAE will collaborate closely in the areas:

  • Net-zero implementation, sectoral decarbonization plans, NDC and climate legislation
  • Carbon pricing, carbon certification and international Climate Club
  • Cooperation on COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in UAE
  • Climate adaption, e.g. Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative
  • Support of implementation of concrete projects

Germany and the UAE have been working together closely within the Emirati-German Energy Partnership since 2017 focusing on the areas of hydrogen, renewable energies and their system integration and energy efficiency. Under the umbrella of the Energy Partnership, the Bilateral Task Force on Hydrogen and Synthetic Fuels was established in 2021 to support collaboration between companies, research institutes and politicians in the field of hydrogen. During the visit of Minister Dr. Robert Habeck on 21 March 2022 to the UAE, the establishment of a hydrogen supply chain between Germany and the UAE was agreed. The first test deliveries of ammonia are to be received in Hamburg on October 21.

As part of its economic diversification strategy, the UAE is pursuing the expansion of renewable energies and hydrogen production. 148 billion Euros of investment are planned by 2050 for the implementation of the decarbonization strategy. The UAE is targeting 25% market share for low-carbon hydrogen in key export markets by 2030. Along with Japan and South Korea, Germany has been set out as key sales market for hydrogen. The Fraunhofer Society and the Energy and Climate Partnership, are supporting the development of the UAE National Hydrogen Strategy.

The Energy and Climate Partnership is a joint initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, supported by Guidehouse and the German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK).

25
September
2022
25 September 2022 Abu Dhabi

UAE President and German Chancellor witness signing of Energy Security and Industry Accelerator Agreement (ESIA)

UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, have witnessed the signing of a new Energy Security and Industry Accelerator (ESIA) Agreement that will accelerate projects of joint interest between the UAE and Germany in energy security, decarbonization and climate action. The agreement was signed by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Climate Special Envoy, and Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Dr. Franziska Brantner, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Under ESIA, both countries anticipate to explore further opportunities to accelerate growth and collaboration across the hydrogen value chain. Masdar, the UAE’s renewable energy company, will be actively exploring opportunities in the offshore wind markets in the North Sea and Baltic Sea in Germany that could generate up to 10GW of renewable energy production capacity by 2030 subject to the necessary German policy and regulatory requirements being met between the two nations.

As part of the agreement, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has entered into an LNG supply agreement with RWE AG (RWE), with ADNOC providing an LNG cargo for delivery in late 2022, to be used in the commissioning of Germany’s floating LNG import terminal at Brunsbüttel. In addition, ADNOC has reserved a number of further LNG cargos exclusively for German customers in 2023.

ADNOC has also entered into a number of agreements with German customers, including Steag GmbH (Steag) and Aurubis AG (Aurubis) for demonstration cargos of low-carbon ammonia, a carrier fuel for hydrogen that can play a critical role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industry sectors. The first of these cargoes arrived in Hamburg earlier this month. It was also announced that ADNOC had completed the UAE’s first direct diesel delivery to Germany in September 2022, and has agreed the terms with Wilhelm Hoyer GmbH & Co. KG (Hoyer) to supply up to 250,000 tons of diesel per month in 2023.

Olaf Scholz said: "I welcome the signing of the joint declaration of intent on the "Energy Security and Industry Accelerator - ESIA". Through ESIA, we enable the swift implementation of strategic lighthouse projects on the focus areas of renewable energies, hydrogen, LNG and climate action."

Robert Habeck, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, said: "We highly welcome the acceleration of joint lighthouse projects in the field of climate action, decarbonisation and energy security. We look forward to closely collaborate on offshore wind, other renewables and hydrogen in the UAE and in Germany."

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: "This landmark new agreement reinforces the rapidly growing energy partnership between the UAE and Germany. As we embrace the energy transition, ADNOC is fully committed to accelerate and invest in projects of energy security, decarbonization and climate action as we continue to be a responsible and reliable provider and trusted exporter of low-carbon energy."

The agreement signing ceremony was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment and members of the delegation accompanying the German Chancellor, as well as a number of ministers and senior officials.

25
September
2022
25 September 2022 Abu Dhabi

UAE commission Fraunhofer research institutes for National Hydrogen Strategy and research cooperation

During the official state visit of Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both countries have taken another step to intensify their bilateral energy and hydrogen cooperation. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE announced the nomination of Germany’s leading Fraunhofer Research Institutes for the UAE National Hydrogen Strategy in partnership with the Australian consultancy GHD and supported by the Emirati-German Energy Partnership. Both countries have also committed to supporting strategic projects in the energy and industry field, including several flagship hydrogen projects.

The research cooperation between Fraunhofer Society and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the field of sustainable energy and applied hydrogen technology was already concluded in an agreement signed during the UAE visit of Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck on 21 March 2022.

The selection of Fraunhofer as scientific advisors by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to develop the UAE National Hydrogen Strategy is a huge step to enable research cooperation and exchange of knowledge and technology between the UAE and Germany. State Secretary Dr. Patrick Graichen emphasized: “Germany’s renowned Fraunhofer Society taking up research activities in the Emirates will support the UAE with their objective of transforming towards a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.” H.E. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary of Energy and Petroleum Affairs for the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure further emphasised “The partnership with the Fraunhofer Research Institutes represents an important step towards encouraging international cooperation to accelerate the energy transition. The UAE is a firm believer that to achieve a just energy transition in line with the Paris Agreement, collaboration is paramount to shape a secure and sustainable future”. H.E. shared that “in this ambitious journey, the UAE National Hydrogen Strategy aims to support local Industries, build low carbon energy systems, support our international partners such as Germany in their decarbonisation efforts, and establish the UAE as a competitive global hydrogen exporter”.

Germany is well positioned as a technological leader in the area of hydrogen. Fraunhofer already supported the German government with its National Hydrogen Strategy and plays a key role for the development of innovative technology and policy strategies. The UAE National Hydrogen Strategy will be supported by Germany’s spearheading hydrogen research institutes, the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems IEG and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.

Prof. Dr. Mario Ragwitz, Co-Spokesman of the Fraunhofer Hydrogen Network and Director of the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems IEG, said: „Based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE and the Fraunhofer Society in March 2022 we are looking forward to intensify our cooperation and conduct research in the field of transforming energy systems and industries towards climate neutrality. Fraunhofer will in the next step support the development of the national hydrogen strategy of the UAE based on its broad experience in providing the scientific foundation for energy and climate strategies in Europe and globally.”

The Fraunhofer Society based in Germany is the world’s leading applied research organization. Prioritizing key future-relevant technologies and commercializing its findings in business and industry, it plays a major role in the innovation process. Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany. Over 30,000 employees, predominantly scientists and engineers, work with an annual research budget of €2.9 billion.

Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Co-Spokesman of the Fraunhofer Hydrogen Network and Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE emphasized: "The Fraunhofer Society is pleased to make a contribution to the ambitious goals of the UAE for climate neutrality by 2050 by helping to develop a National Hydrogen Strategy. The UAE hydrogen strategy is aiming at both the defossilization of the local energy system such as industry and the cooling and mobility sectors, and the development of sustainable energy carriers for export markets. We are pleased to be part of this important phase in the energy transformation of the UAE.“

15
September
2022
15 September 2022 Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Berlin

High-Level Climate Dialogue sets priorities for expanded climate cooperation within Energy Partnership

Carbon pricing and certification, sectoral decarbonization plans, climate finance and climate change adaption have been identified in a High-Level Climate Dialogue, as core topics for bilateral climate cooperation between the UAE and Germany by H.E. Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister for Climate Change and Environment of the UAE (MOEI), H.E. Patrick Graichen, Vice Minister and Energy State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), H.E. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) and H.E. Norbert Gorißen, Deputy Special Envoy for International Climate Action at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. Close cooperation has also been agreed for COP28 taking place 2023 in the UAE.

The Emirati-German Energy Partnership is very much looking forward to intensified climate cooperation to together with our new colleagues from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment!

28
June
2022
28 June 2022 Berlin, Munich & Freiburg

UAE delegation visits Germany for study tour on green hydrogen and synthetic fuels

H.E. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), visited Germany with a MOEI delegation accompanied by representatives from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) from 28 June to 1 July 2022. H.E. Patrick Graichen, Energy State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) welcomed the delegation at the Ministry in Berlin for a bilateral meeting with H.E. Sharif Al Olama. The delegation attended technical sessions and various meetings with stakeholders from government, business and science to continue the dialogue on hydrogen strategies, bilateral projects and joint funding instruments. Roundtables with business actors took place to proceed the scale up of hydrogen trade between the UAE and Germany at the Embassy of the UAE in Berlin and at the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy in Munich. In Freiburg, the delegation visited the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE).

10
May
2022
10 May 2022 Berlin

Minister Habeck and Minister Al Jaber continue dialogue for scaling up hydrogen trade

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), visited Germany to meet Dr. Robert Habeck, Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and German business leaders in Berlin. The aim of the visit was to intensify the bilateral dialogue and to strengthen joint efforts to establish an integrated value chain for green hydrogen. During their bilateral meetings, both ministers agreed to support bilateral hydrogen projects and intensified cooperation in other areas. In a roundtable discussion with German business representatives the ministers discussed concrete next steps for scaling up hydrogen production and trade between the UAE and Germany.

During Minister Habeck’s recent visit to the UAE on March 21, 2022, the UAE and Germany concluded several cooperation agreements with the aim of establishing a comprehensive hydrogen value chain. ADNOC, the UAE’s national oil and gas utility, and its German partners Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies, Uniper are developing a supply chain for green hydrogen shipments using LOHC-carriers. Together with Hambuger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) and Abu Dhabi Ports, ADNOC will also pilot test cargo shipments from the UAE to Hamburg. The first ammonia test cargo shipment from the UAE is expected to arrive at the Port of Hamburg in the second half of 2022. To support the revision of UAE’s climate and hydrogen strategies and promote joint research and development, a scientific cooperation between the German Fraunhofer Society and the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure (MOEI) was founded.

Germany and the UAE are celebrating their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. The two countries have been cooperating closely on hydrogen and renewable energy in the context of the Emirati-German Energy Partnership since 2017. The Energy Partnership is an initiative by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the UAE Ministry for Energy and Infrastructure, facilitated by Guidehouse and the German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK). Under the umbrella of the Energy Partnership, the Bilateral Task Force on Hydrogen and Synthetic Fuels was established and convened the first working group meetings on March 14, 2022 in Dubai. The Bilateral Hydrogen Task Force brings together policy makers, private industry and research institutes providing a forum to discuss challenges of green hydrogen market uptake.

The Emirati-German Energy Partnership continuously supports strategic initiatives and bilateral projects. German companies are actively involved in several hydrogen projects in the UAE. In May 2021, DEWA and Siemens Energy inaugurated the first green hydrogen plant of the MENA-region. A consortium including partners from both countries, including Siemens Energy, Lufthansa, Masdar and TotalEnergies, is currently developing a project for the production of hydrogen-based e-fuels including synthetic kerosene for the aviation sector. Other promising industry-scale projects are under preparation with support of the Energy Partnership.

The UAE pursue the expansion of renewable energy and the scale-up of hydrogen production as part of their economic diversification strategy. By 2030, the UAE target a 25% market share in major low-carbon hydrogen import markets, including Germany. Germany supports the UAE’s strategic initiative to reach net-zero emission by 2050 and collaborates with the UAE in preparation of the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP) hosted by the UAE in 2023. A strategic dialogue between UAE and Germany in the run up of COP28 will intensify collaboration on climate change.

Image Copyright: BMWK/Andreas Mertens

21
March
2022
HE Minister Al Mazroei and HE Minister Habeck at a roundtable with Emirati and German businesses
21 March 2022 Abu Dhabi

Minister Habeck visits UAE: Several hydrogen project agreements signed between German business and UAE

The visit by Vice-Chancellor and Climate and Energy Minister Robert Habeck to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 21 March 2022 aims to strengthen and accelerate the cooperation on hydrogen between Germany and the UAE. Four hydrogen cooperation projects with German business and one research cooperation project were agreed during his visit today. The UAE offers very good preconditions for a low-cost production of hydrogen from renewable energy and wishes to enable the first deliveries of hydrogen to Germany to take place in 2022. This means that the projects which have been supported in the context of the Emirati-German Energy Partnership will be able to make a specific contribution to ensuring a future supply of energy in the form of climate-friendly hydrogen.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck said: "The accelerated expansion of hydrogen supply chains is key to the transition to sustainable energy. I welcome the planned collaboration between the German and Emirati companies and the cooperation on research between Fraunhofer and the Energy Ministry of the United Arab Emirates. There is a great need for research and direct implementation especially as regards the production, storage and transport of green hydrogen in the UAE and its import to and use in Germany. The cooperation projects agreed today will therefore make a contribution in two ways: they will help us reach our climate targets and strengthen our energy security."

Germany wishes to further speed up the transition from conventional natural gas to green hydrogen. In the context of the National Hydrogen Strategy as part of our decarbonisation campaign, we want to create a demand for clean hydrogen totalling up to 3 million tonnes per year by 2030 with the bulk being imported. Demand is expected to increase to more than 11 million tonnes per year by 2050. The Emirati-German Energy Partnership was established in 2017.

Details of the projects:

The UAE already has advanced hydrogen projects involving German firms. Several agreements on cooperation to build up a comprehensive hydrogen value chain between German companies and the UAE are to be signed during Minister Habeck’s visit:

Establishment of a hydrogen supply chain to Germany and first trial shipments

  • The partners Hydrogenious, ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company), JERA and Uniper will enter into a joint demonstration project for the transport of hydrogen. The aim is to build up a supply chain for green hydrogen from the UAE to Wilhelmshaven based on LOHC technology. (LOHC technology uses liquid organic hydrogen carriers, organic compounds that can absorb and release hydrogen.) Initially, “blue” hydrogen is to be used; this will quickly be replaced by “green” hydrogen.
  • Furthermore, with regard to future shipments of hydrogen and its derivatives, ADNOC has signed take-off contracts for the first trial shipments of blue ammonia to Germany with Aurubis, the copper manufacturer, and the energy companies RWE, Steag and GEWEC.
  • In order to make the trial cargo possible, the transport chain for blue ammonia is also to be prepared via the signing of an agreement on cooperation between ADNOC and Hamburger Hafen & Logistik AG (HHLA). The pilot project for the blue ammonia transport chain to Germany lays an important foundation stone for medium-term imports of green hydrogen.

Projects for the manufacture of synthetic kerosene
Siemens Energy and Lufthansa are working with the UAE-based renewable energy company Masdar and other partners on a project to manufacture synthetic kerosene, entitled “Green Falcon”. At present, synthetic kerosene is the only way to decarbonise aviation. An expansion of the Green Falcon pilot project with a 20 MW electrolysis capacity would be feasible following a successful first phase. Germany and the UAE have agreed to jointly support the project.

Research collaboration on the energy transition and hydrogen
The Fraunhofer Society and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE are concluding an agreement on cooperation in order to deepen the exchange of expertise in the field of sustainable energy and applied hydrogen technology. The agreement covers advice on the UAE’s national energy strategy, support with the establishment of research infrastructure, and joint projects, e.g. in the field of sustainable energy and applied hydrogen technology.

Image Copyright: BMWK/Buzmann

14
March
2022
Task Force members during the kick-off meeting
14 March 2022 Dubai

Emirati-German Hydrogen Task Force convenes for inaugural meeting

Policy makers, company representatives and researchers came together for the kick-off of the Emirati-German Hydrogen Task Force. His Excellency Sharif Al Olama, Ambassador Peter Fischer and Ellen von Zitzewitz launched the strengthened hydrogen cooperation between the UAE and Germany.Recommendations were developed on how to establish an integrated hydrogen value chain between the UAE and Germany. Stakeholders request clear standards for blue and green hydrogen, an internationally consistent certification scheme and suggest matching suppliers and offtakers.The conclusions of the working groups will be picked up by both Ministries and the Emirati-German Energy Partnership. The next Task Force meeting takes place in the second half of 2022.

Image Copyright: MOEI

02
November
2021
Group of people in a conference room
02 November 2021 Dubai

Joint Declaration of Intent signed to launch Emirati-German Hydrogen Task Force

German Energy State Secretary H.E. Andreas Feicht visited the UAE from 1-2 November, 2021 and signed a Joint Declaration of Intent with UAE Energy Minister H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei in Dubai for the establishment of a Joint Hydrogen Task Force within the framework of the Emirati-German Energy Partnership.

16
January
2017
Group of many people in a conference room
16 January 2017 Abu Dhabi

Memorandum of Understanding signed to establish Emirati-German Energy Partnership

During the World Future Energy Summit, the first steering group meeting of the Energy Partnership took place on 16 January 2017 and the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding between Germany and the UAE to establish an Energy Partnership was signed.