This event was the first in a series of workshops organised by IRENA and the European Union to enhance the dialogue over the challenges and policy measures needed to develop green hydrogen in the MENA region. The first workshop covered the North African context and the second the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The workshops are part of the Strategic Partnership for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement (SPIPA) that facilitates exchange on climate policy option and good practice between the EU and non-European major economies and supports the European Union´s efforts on climate diplomacy. SPIPA is undertaking a series of outreach activities to support the development of a global regulatory framework for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Broad agreement was reached on the expectation that global hydrogen trade will start to become important towards the mid- and long-term, however action needs to start today to develop the experience, demonstrate the technology and establish long-term relationships that will pave the way for bilateral trading initially followed by a liquid market. This is one of the themes of the MENA workshops. Also, four key pillars were identified – technology, standards and certification, financing, and the creation of a market – with the following associated policy measures needed to address each:
The MENA workshops continue this dialogue and serve to look at policy solutions for the key challenges in the short term.
Aims of the workshop:
The event gathered participants from government institutions, private sector representatives, development partners, academia and non-governmental organisations and potentially media.
The agenda and background document are available here.
