The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure signed a virtual cooperation agreement to explore hydrogen production opportunities. The agreement would broaden the scope of joint cooperation and increase investment in the hydrogen market, accelerating the energy transformation to a low future.

The agreement, that was sealed in the presence of high-ranking officials from both sides by Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Ejima Kiyoshi, State Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan, leads to the deepening of bilateral ties between the UAE and Japan.

It also highlights the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure's response to widen the scope of strategic collaborations between the two friendly countries in terms of their pursuit of global leadership in the field of renewable energy, as well as enhancing the prospects for growth and development that use hydrogen as a reliable energy source.

Suhail Al Mazrouei greeted the participants at the start of the virtual meeting, emphasizing that the agreement represents the advancement of ties between the UAE and Japan, and that it is an extension of the UAE and Japan's historic partnership in various fields. It places a strong focus on close cooperation in the oil, infrastructure, and transportation sectors, as Japan is regarded as a global leader in these areas and a big supporter of national economies.

By focusing on hydrogen production, such collaborations help the two countries' path toward achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, contributing to the formation of the shift toward clean, renewable energy. The UAE intends to step up its attempts to increase business potential in the hydrogen sector and to encourage research and development of green and blue hydrogen production technologies while lowering costs.

The agreement also intends to establish large opportunities for growth and development as part of the two countries' efforts to enhance their energy mix, focus on renewable energy, expand collaborations, and enhance partnership in order to capitalize on the prospects associated with the UAE and Japan's global leadership in the fields of innovation, technology, and sustainability. It also aims to achieve cooperation in the areas of hydrogen production, supply chain growth, and transportation to Japan, and exchanging knowledge to improve regulations and policies.

According to Al Mazrouei, the UAE is working to minimize its carbon footprint by adopting the 2050 energy plan, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% and increase individual and institutional consumption efficiency by 40% by 2050.

“We also aim to broaden the upcoming energy mix, with renewable energy contributing 50% of the total energy mix generated in the country,” he said.

The UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has joined the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance, which was founded by Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Abu Dhabi Holding Company (ADQ) with the goal of establishing the UAE's role as a credible exporter of green hydrogen (produced using renewable energy technology) and blue hydrogen (produced using petroleum).

During the UAE's virtual business trip to Japan, the two countries agreed to collaborate on fuel ammonia and carbon recycling techniques. The agreement comes after the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, demonstrating the UAE and Japan's desire to leverage new commercially viable technologies to minimize carbon emissions.

Ammonia will be used as a hydrogen carrier and a zero-emission fuel in the future, which will promote the hydrogen economy.