The Arab Energy Organization (AEO) announced that nine Arab countries have set forward-looking plans to produce eight million tons of low-carbon hydrogen annually by 2030, with projections rising to 27.5 million tons by 2040, subject to market readiness.
AEO Secretary General Jamal Al-Loughani emphasized that the region is making significant strides in the hydrogen sector. “This leap reflects the growing momentum across Arab states in embracing clean energy solutions,” he stated.
The Geneva-based UN-affiliated Group of Experts on Gas has welcomed a joint initiative by the AEO and Russia to develop methods for storing and transporting both liquid and solid hydrogen. The initiative has been incorporated into the task program of the UN commission for 2026 and will be reviewed in March of that year.
Al-Loughani noted that this development was part of discussions during the 12th session of the UN Group of Experts on Gas, held from March 25 to 28 in Geneva. The session included participation from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the European Commission, and international agencies.
The AEO representative at the meeting presented a regional outlook on hydrogen developments, highlighting increasing investments and export potential aimed at meeting growing demand in major global markets such as Asia and Europe.
According to Al-Loughani, the number of hydrogen-related projects in Arab countries has surged nearly fourfold — from 34 projects in 2021 to 127 by 2024. These include initiatives focused on low-carbon hydrogen production, export infrastructure, and pipeline transport from North Africa to Europe, as well as applications in land and marine transport, including ship fueling.
He added that six Arab nations have already finalized national hydrogen strategies. The AEO, a member of the UN expert group since 2015, continues to play a key role in showcasing large-scale regional projects and fostering international cooperation in the clean energy space.
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