Policies for Green Hydrogen Economies

Policy Brief & Interdisciplinary Training

Amidst the pressing need to curb global warming, the race to decarbonise the energy landscape has intensified. In this pursuit, Green Hydrogen (GH2) has emerged as a promising solution, poised to reduce significantly greenhouse gas emissions across energy sectors and energy-intensive industries. The spotlight now shines on North African countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria, recognizing the immense potential GH2 holds for global export. However, the road to sustainable GH2 production and export demands more than recognition—it calls for evidence-based policies and targeted interdisciplinary capacity-building strategies.

The nascent green hydrogen economies emerging in the MENA region are intricately linked to matters of social and environmental justice. Consequently, we approach the exploration of green hydrogen as a multifaceted and interdisciplinary initiative.

AGYA member Irene Weipert-Fenner

The MENA region as a key player in the global transition towards a sustainable future

Based on the previous research project on GH2 export options, the Working Group Energy, Water and Environment now seeks to develop policy recommendations for the establishment of GH2 economies in the MENA region. At its core lies the imperative need to address various challenges, spanning cost efficiency, technological advancements in production, and crucially, considerations of social, economic, and environmental justice. By overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, the MENA countries can effectively contribute to global decarbonisation efforts and drive economic growth through green hydrogen initiatives.

The policy brief targeted towards policymakers, industry stakeholders, and relevant authorities, is envisioned as a comprehensive resource to illuminate decision-making pathways, steering them toward fostering sustainable GH2 initiatives within the region.

Green Hydrogen serves as a catalyst, uniting German and Arab researchers to explore energy security, sustainable solutions, and the link between water, energy, and the environment.

AGYA member Mohamed Qenawy

Approaching green hydrogen interdisciplinary

Besides crafting concrete policy recommendations, the Working Group aims to set up an interdisciplinary training on the topic of green hydrogen production in the MENA region. By fostering an interdisciplinary understanding of GH2 development, the training endeavors to nurture a close involvement with real-world challenges unique to the MENA region. These endeavors constitute pivotal measures to ensure that North African countries can not only contribute significantly to emission reduction but also derive economic benefits from environmentally sustainable energy initiatives.