‘100 GW of hydrogen projects can be expected in the medium term in MENA’ – CEO, Dii Desert Energy

‘100 GW of hydrogen projects can be expected in the medium term in MENA’ – CEO, Dii Desert Energy

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to see a massive acceleration in capacities for solar, wind and green molecules in the coming years, the chief executive of Dii Desert Energy said.

"Our database now lists concrete hydrogen projects with a capacity of over 20 gigawatts (GW). In the medium term, an expansion towards 100 GW can be expected,” said Cornelius Matthes.

Speaking to journalists on the side lines of the Dii Desert Energy Leadership Summit currently underway in Cairo, Egypt, he said, “the region produces solar energy at 1-2 cents per Kilowatt hour (Kwh) and wind energy at 1.5 to 3 cents per kwh,” offering significant cost competitiveness.

Katherina Reiche, Chair of the National Hydrogen Council of the German government and Chair of the Board of Westenergie AG, said the US’ largest climate investment programme that envisages $369 billion investment over 10 years could bring down costs of hydrogen production down to $1 per kg by 2025 pressurising other countries to respond.

“If Germany and Europe do not want to fall behind, this will only be possible if the cost advantages of the MENA region in solar and wind energy are used,” she said speaking at the press conference.

Matthes said,”