The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoAT) recently announced a significant milestone at the “Make it in the Emirates” Forum held in Abu Dhabi. This event marked the support and initiation of a strategic collaboration agreement between ADNOC, John Cockerill Hydrogen, and Strata Manufacturing, aimed at establishing a local manufacturing hub for electrolysers in the UAE, catering to both domestic and international markets.

The production of electrolysers is a crucial step in the generation of green hydrogen, a renewable energy source that produces no carbon dioxide emissions during usage. The agreement seeks to bolster the development of the UAE’s green hydrogen economy by promoting in-country manufacturing of electrolysers, aligning with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, which encourages local industry growth and fosters an attractive investment environment.

The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed individuals such as His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, Her Excellency Sara Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), His Excellency Antoine Delcourt, Ambassador of Belgium in the UAE, and Jean-Luc Maurange, Executive Member of the Board, John Cockerill Group. Signatories included Hanan Balalaa, Senior Vice President, New Energies and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage, ADNOC, Ismail Ali Abdulla, Managing Director & CEO of Strata Manufacturing, and Raphael Tilot, CEO of John Cockerill Hydrogen.

Undersecretary His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology expressed the government’s commitment to accelerating the growth of future industries as a core objective of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. This collaboration signifies a crucial step in supporting the expansion of future industries while aligning with the UAE’s ambitious net-zero and COP28 targets. Led by ADNOC, this strategic cooperation agreement strengthens the industrial sector and provides the necessary capabilities for the thriving future of hydrogen, which is poised to become one of the most important industries driving a greener economy.

Hanan Balalaa highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing how this landmark initiative could facilitate local manufacturing of electrolysers in the UAE for the first time. Hydrogen plays a critical role in the energy transition, and this collaboration showcases the energy sector’s commitment to decarbonization on a large scale, driving low-carbon economic growth, and enhancing energy security. ADNOC remains dedicated to advancing lower-carbon solutions and decarbonization technologies, supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Ismail Ali Abdulla expressed excitement about joining forces with ADNOC and John Cockerill Hydrogen, emphasizing Strata Manufacturing’s expertise in advanced manufacturing. This collaboration will contribute significantly to establishing the UAE as a global leader in the hydrogen industry, aligning with their strategic vision of driving innovation and economic growth within the country.

Raphael Tilot, CEO of John Cockerill Hydrogen, expressed delight in collaborating with ADNOC and Strata Manufacturing, stating that their leadership in large-scale green hydrogen production and distribution solutions perfectly complements this partnership. The joint efforts will not only strengthen the UAE’s position in the global hydrogen market but also support the country in achieving its ambitious decarbonization goals.

ADNOC has already established itself as an early adopter of clean hydrogen production, positioning the UAE as a key supplier to global hydrogen markets. Furthermore, ADNOC’s partnership with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), which possesses around 20 GW of clean power capacity and targets at least 100 GW of renewable energy and millions of tons of green hydrogen by 2030, further solidifies its commitment to sustainable energy production.

The “Make it in the Emirates” Forum, now in its second edition, witnessed extensive participation from decision-makers, government officials, private sector representatives, experts, entrepreneurs, financing entities, investors, startups, and SMEs. The primary objective of this forum is to highlight investment opportunities within the local industrial sector, emphasizing the potential for investment, product development, product localization, and redirecting procurement to bolster the national economy.

In addition to positioning the UAE as a global manufacturing and innovation hub, the forum also emphasizes sustainability and the reduction and elimination of carbon emissions within the industrial sector. These efforts align with the UAE’s overarching objectives of sustainability, the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, and its preparations to host COP28, showcasing the country’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.