UAE, Netherlands Sign MoU on Hydrogen Energy

The UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector. WAM
The UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector. WAM
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UAE, Netherlands Sign MoU on Hydrogen Energy

The UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector. WAM
The UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector. WAM

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Dutch Ministry for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on hydrogen energy, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Tuesday.

The MoU was signed by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, at the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, WAM said.

As part of their Joint Economic Committee, the UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector and increasing the use of clean hydrogen.

The ministers noted the importance of clean hydrogen, in particular green hydrogen from renewable sources to contribute to the countries’ emission reduction policy. They recognized the benefits of working together in setting up export-import corridors for clean hydrogen between the UAE and the Netherlands as a gateway to Europe.

"Such partnerships contribute to catalyzing the transition towards hydrogen energy, and support the two countries' orientation in formulating projects and initiatives to support the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and contribute to opening opportunities for growth and development, diversifying the energy mix, relying on clean energy, building concrete partnerships and enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries,” Al Mazrouei said.

Schreinemacher said that there is increasing pressure on current ecosystems to meet the burgeoning demand for energy resources without further eroding the ecosystem.

“The production and use of green Hydrogen Energy as an alternative to fossil fuel has an important place for both of our countries in our aim to achieve net-zero emissions. I very much welcome being here today to sign this important agreement in an effort to achieve our common goals for the future of our planet."



Bahrain Inaugurates Bapco Refinery’s Modernization Project

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
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Bahrain Inaugurates Bapco Refinery’s Modernization Project

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has inaugurated the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP), which stands as the largest strategic undertaking in the Kingdom’s history and a pivotal development in the energy sector. It is expected that production capacity will reach 400,000 barrels per day.

The inauguration took place on Thursday in the presence of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and on Bahrain’s 53rd National Day celebrations and the Silver Jubilee of the King’s accession.

The King underscored the significance of BMP in fostering national development and sustainability, aligning with Bahrain’s ambition to maximize the value of its natural resources for economic and societal advancement.
"This landmark project reflects our enduring commitment to sustainable growth, utilizing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s natural energy resources to power economic progress and development," he stated.

King Hamad highlighted the BMP’s role in driving the Kingdom’s energy transition strategy, emphasizing the government’s steadfast dedication under the leadership of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to advancing economic recovery through strategic investments in high-potential sectors.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies Mark Thomas and Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Refining, highlighted during a joint press conference held on the sidelines of the inauguration of BMP, that the initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing Bahrain’s production capacity in oil refining.

They noted that the project is expected to substantially support the national economy and increase revenues, representing a strategic step to strengthen Bahrain’s economy by creating new jobs and improving the quality of petroleum products, with a focus on employing Bahrainis in the project.

They also expressed their optimism about the strategic project, which will serve as a foundation for launching new initiatives to enhance Bahrain's position as a leading investment destination. It is expected that production capacity will reach 400,000 barrels per day, representing a 42% increase.

Jawahery highlighted the historical cooperation between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, commending the partnership between Bapco and Saudi Aramco. "We currently import 220,000 barrels per day of Saudi crude oil, and with the project’s completion, imported quantities will exceed 320,000 barrels per day. This sustainable cooperation spanning more than 70 years serves as a model for Gulf integration," he said.