Saudi Arabia Stresses Global Hydrogen Production Capacity

Saudi Arabia and Germany sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the production of clean hydrogen. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia and Germany sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the production of clean hydrogen. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Global Hydrogen Production Capacity

Saudi Arabia and Germany sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the production of clean hydrogen. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia and Germany sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the production of clean hydrogen. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Germany signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the production of clean hydrogen and the establishment of a joint fund to innovate related technologies, in a step aimed at reducing emissions and activating the circular carbon economy.

“We have abundant energy sources for producing green and blue hydrogen... We have the ingredients to lead the world in hydrogen production,” Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said in remarks on the occasion.

The Saudi and German sides signed the MoU in the presence of the German Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy, Peter Altmaier.

Prince Abdulaziz described the step as part of the strategic efforts and great commitment to confront climate change and reduce global emissions rates.

This goal has prompted the Kingdom to adopt the concept of circular carbon economy endorsed by world leaders at the G20 summit last year, which was hosted by Saudi Arabia.

He stressed during the virtual signing ceremony that hydrogen was a main source of energy and offered great and promising opportunities for investment in the coming decades.

He pointed in this regard to the efforts of the giant NEOM project to achieve leadership in the production of green hydrogen and green fuels globally and to become the most prominent destination in the world in providing sustainable solutions that stimulate investors and attract the best minds with the aim to accelerate human development.

The MoU provides for strengthening German-Saudi cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen fuel generation, processing, use, transport and joint marketing. It also seeks to enhance the exchange of information and technical expertise between the two parties, encourage joint investments and research, and support the sale of Saudi hydrogen fuel, and the products that enter into its manufacture, such as industrial kerosene used to produce electricity in Germany.



Gold Prices Climb on Safe-Haven Demand; US Payrolls Data in Focus

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
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Gold Prices Climb on Safe-Haven Demand; US Payrolls Data in Focus

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices climbed on Friday, supported by safe-haven demand arising from the Middle East conflict, while spotlight shifted towards US payrolls report to gauge the trajectory of the Federal Reserve's policy path.
Spot gold was up 0.3% at $2,662.50 per ounce, as of 0325 GMT, after climbing to an all-time high of $2,685.42 on Sept. 26. Bullion has gained 0.2 for the week.
US gold futures edged 0.1% higher to $2,682.10.
The dollar eased 0.1%, pulling back from over a one-month high, making greenback-priced bullion less expensive for other currency holders, reported Reuters.
Geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Israel and Iran, are supporting gold prices and unless these risks subside, prices are likely to remain near record levels, said Ajay Kedia, director at Kedia Commodities, Mumbai.
The US is discussing strikes on Iran's oil facilities as retaliation for Tehran's missile attack on Israel, President Joe Biden said, while Israel's military hit Beirut with new air strikes in its battle against Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Bullion is considered a safe investment during times of political and financial uncertainty, and thrives in a low-rate environment.
The US nonfarm payroll data is due at 1230 GMT. New York Fed President John Williams and Chicago Fed President Austan are also scheduled to speak later in the day.
If the NFP report comes in strong, it will be positive for the dollar and then gold prices will see some profit-booking, Kedia added.
Traders see a 69% chance of a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut in November, according to CME FedWatch Tool.
BMI said in a note it expects gold prices to trade within the range of $2,500 to $2,800 in the coming months.
Spot silver rose 0.4% to $32.17 per ounce and has gained about 1.8% so far this week.
Platinum climbed 1.1% to $1,001.79 and palladium advanced 1.4% to $1,013.46.