India and Germany Launch Green Hydrogen Roadmap

Hydrogen H2 Filling Nozzles are plugged into a hydrogen filling station for trucks and cars in Berlin, Germany January 11, 2023. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi/ File Photo
Hydrogen H2 Filling Nozzles are plugged into a hydrogen filling station for trucks and cars in Berlin, Germany January 11, 2023. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi/ File Photo
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India and Germany Launch Green Hydrogen Roadmap

Hydrogen H2 Filling Nozzles are plugged into a hydrogen filling station for trucks and cars in Berlin, Germany January 11, 2023. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi/ File Photo
Hydrogen H2 Filling Nozzles are plugged into a hydrogen filling station for trucks and cars in Berlin, Germany January 11, 2023. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi/ File Photo

Germany and India plan to strengthen their cooperation in the field of hydrogen, which stands as a beacon of hope for clean energy, especially if renewable energy sources are used in its production.
Both countries have signed a green hydrogen roadmap on the research and development of hydrogen on the sidelines of Germany-India government consultations in New Delhi.
“The hydrogen roadmap does not mean that the governments will do everything, rather they have defined various work areas that are now being attended to,” German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said.
“But in the end, scientists, students and businesses must now get on board,” he said, adding that over the longer term, hydrogen had to justify itself on the market.
The German government is planning for hydrogen to generate between 95 and 130 terawatt-hours of power per year by 2030 – equivalent to more than 3 million tons of hydrogen, under the assumption that between 50% and 70% of this will have to be imported.
For its part, India aims to increase hydrogen production capacity to an annual 5 million tons per year by the end of this decade.
The roadmap aims to connect private sector companies, promote cooperation in research and development, and coordinate on legislation. The construction of terminals in India for the export of green ammonia is also to be supported.
The roadmap can be seen as a declaration of intent and does not include specific financing commitments. The two countries have had an energy partnership since 2006.

 



Aramco’s Investment Arm Allocates $100 Million to Artificial Intelligence

Aramco fully owns the Wa’ed Ventures Fund, valued at $500 million.
Aramco fully owns the Wa’ed Ventures Fund, valued at $500 million.
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Aramco’s Investment Arm Allocates $100 Million to Artificial Intelligence

Aramco fully owns the Wa’ed Ventures Fund, valued at $500 million.
Aramco fully owns the Wa’ed Ventures Fund, valued at $500 million.

The investment arm of Saudi Aramco has allocated $100 million to invest in startups in the field of artificial intelligence, with the aim of accelerating Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a leading global force in AI, according to Bloomberg.

Wa’ed Ventures, Aramco’s venture capital arm, has established an advisory board comprising former employees from companies such as Meta and Amazon to explore early-stage investments in this sector. The $100 million will be deployed over the next three years.

Wa’ed Ventures is a venture capital fund with a total value of $500 million and is fully owned by Saudi Aramco.

“Our strategic decision to allocate funds to AI investments is rooted in a deep understanding of the Kingdom’s growing ecosystem,” said Anas Al-Gahtani, acting CEO of Wa’ed Ventures.

“By fostering innovation and supporting AI startups, we aim to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies that will drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in artificial intelligence. This investment will not only incentivize local entrepreneurs but also support the localization of global talent, ultimately unlocking the immense potential of AI,” Al-Gahtani added.

This year, Aramco’s investment arm has doubled its investments in artificial intelligence. Recently, Wa’ed invested $15 million in South Korean chip manufacturer Rebellion and participated in funding rounds for the AI platform aiXplain and Tenderd, a company supported by Peter Thiel, one of the most prominent names in tech investment.