UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation to strengthen industrial cooperation in hydrogen fuel technology.
According to the statement, the collaboration will explore ways to support the production, storage, and transportation of hydrogen fuel, in line with their shared goal of developing sustainable and low- or zero-emission energy sources, as well as achieving a carbon-neutral industrial sector while ensuring its continued growth.
Under the terms of MoU, both parties agree to cooperate in the manufacture of equipment, especially that used in the production, liquefaction, and use of raw hydrogen and fuel mixtures that use hydrogen as a core element. In addition, the cosigning parties will develop international standards for hydrogen and align relevant specialized industry standards.
Furthermore, the MoU supports bilateral investments in hydrogen energy, seeking each other’s advice, and the establishment of a private-sector network across both countries that will promote joint developments and the exchange of data and analysis.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the 37th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC 2021).
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology UAE
“The MoU aligns with the strategic vision of our leadership to build new and reinforce existing international collaborations in support of sustainable development. Working with the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Russia on hydrogen fuel complements our nations’ longstanding relationship and reflects new directives to find clean and sustainable energy sources, especially as the global economy begins to recover from the repercussions of COVID-19. This collaboration reinforces the strong partnership that exists between the UAE and the Russian Federation, especially the bilateral investments focused on priority sectors such as industry, information technology, infrastructure, petrochemicals, and energy, all of which are cornerstones to hydrogen fuel. Recognizing the world’s need for low-emission energy sources, hydrogen will create a substantial shift in the future of energy and industry.”
Mr. Al Jaber further added that the Emirates offers several strategic advantages in hydrogen fuel, including gas resources and clean electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind. In combination with the UAE’s storage and transportation capabilities, these advantages enhance the nation’s competitiveness in hydrogen fuel technology.
“This offers a key opportunity to advance our capabilities across the sector’s value chain, as well as strengthen the UAE’s position in the quality infrastructure through its collaboration with the Russian counterpart to set the international standards,” the UAE minister noted.
Mr. Denis Manturov, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade said, “Mutual striving to strengthen trade and economic relations makes it possible to develop joint industrial projects, including in hydrogen energy. A significant potential for cooperation between Russia and the UAE can be revealed in multi-vector cooperation in the design and production of equipment for liquefaction, storage, and transportation of hydrogen, as well as in the development of international and harmonization of national standards in this area.”
“Taking into account the global importance of searching for low-carbon, but energy-intensive and universal technological solutions, we have also presented to our colleagues from the United Arab Emirates the Atlas of Russian projects on low-carbon and carbon-free hydrogen and ammonia, which already has 41 projects throughout Russia,” Mr. Manturov added.
The MoU between the ministries will present promising opportunities to develop the hydrogen sector through international knowledge and technology exchange. It also deepens trade and economic ties between the UAE and the Russian Federation as well as complements the MoU for science, technology, and civil industries signed in 2017.
