"Al-Ahrak": Rapid transformations in the energy sector amid climate change challenges
Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan, Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and integration among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states’ institutions in scientific, research, and technical fields of common interest.
This statement came during his attendance yesterday at a discussion session for hydrogen experts from GCC countries, which was attended by a select group of experts and specialists in hydrogen and energy fields from the member states.
Al-Humaidan noted that the energy sector is witnessing rapid global transformations amid climate change challenges and efforts to reduce carbon emissions and diversify energy sources, aiming for carbon neutrality. He pointed out that hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, stands out as a promising option within the future energy system due to its potential to contribute to emission reductions, support decarbonization, and enhance integration between renewable energy sources and various industrial sectors.
He underscored the importance of the discussion session in showcasing projects, initiatives, and research experiences in hydrogen production and its applications, exchanging expertise, and discussing challenges and opportunities related to the development and localization of these technologies. He expressed hope that the discussions would help crystallize shared visions, identify priority areas for cooperation, and outline a future roadmap that enhances the region’s efforts in developing clean energy technologies, thereby supporting energy security, sustainability, and economic development.
Al-Humaidan affirmed that KISR would continue, in line with its mission and national and regional role, to support scientific research and innovation, build partnerships, and enhance cooperation with specialized institutions and entities, contributing to addressing climate change challenges and transitioning toward a more sustainable and efficient energy system. He expressed his aspiration that this session would serve as a starting point for further cooperation and practical initiatives in the hydrogen sector.
The organization of the session came within the framework of KISR’s efforts to enhance scientific cooperation and exchange expertise and knowledge among specialists in GCC countries, discuss trends, strategies, and Gulf experiences in the hydrogen field, and anticipate opportunities for cooperation and integration in this vital sector, thereby supporting the region’s countries’ directions toward transitioning to clean energy sources and achieving sustainability goals.
The session’s proceedings began with an opening lecture delivered by Dr. Fathouh Abdulaziz Al-Raqam, Acting Executive Director of the Energy and Building Research Center at KISR, which highlighted the importance of enhancing Gulf cooperation and exchanging expertise in the hydrogen field and its growing role in the future energy system.
The program included several specialized sessions covering the comprehensive assessment of green hydrogen production in Kuwait, Oman’s national strategy in the green hydrogen sector, as well as a presentation of the UAE’s 2050 National Hydrogen Strategy and its experience, alongside prospects for Gulf integration in the hydrogen economy. Additionally, research efforts by KISR to assess the feasibility of consuming green hydrogen in Kuwait’s power generation sector were presented.
The session concluded with a discussion panel bringing together experts and specialists, during which views and expertise were exchanged, and challenges and opportunities related to developing the hydrogen sector were discussed, along with ways to enhance cooperation and integration among GCC member states in this field, contributing to supporting energy sector transition pathways and achieving a more sustainable future for the region.
