Boris Johnson, Bertrand Piccard Headline Abu Dhabi’s Green Hydrogen Summit

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar is set to host an impressive array of global figures at its second Green Hydrogen Summit, scheduled for 16th April during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi. The event, themed "Building the Hydrogen Economy: From Dialogue to Reality," aims to foster discussions that will propel the green hydrogen sector forward, supporting the global energy transition. Among the notable speakers is Rt Hon Boris Johnson, former UK Prime Minister, and Dr. Bertrand Piccard, a renowned global adventurer and Chairman of Climate Impulse.

Johnson, known for his advocacy of clean energy initiatives during his tenure as Prime Minister, will share insights into the UK's strategy for developing a robust low-carbon hydrogen industry. Dr. Piccard will discuss his groundbreaking project aimed at achieving the first hydrogen-powered flight around the world, highlighting his previous achievements in aviation and environmental advocacy.

The summit will feature a high-level ministerial panel with participants including Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy from Azerbaijan; Yoshida Nobuhiro, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry from Japan; and Frederik Wisselink, Energy Special Envoy from the Netherlands. They will delve into national strategies and policies essential for accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen economies.

Another focal point of the summit will be Abu Dhabi’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy and its implications for key sectors. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, and Mohammad Abdelqader El-Ramahi, Chief Green Hydrogen Officer at Masdar, will lead this discussion alongside other prominent Abu Dhabi stakeholders.

The event also aims to bridge the gap between policy formulation and financial investment in green hydrogen projects. A dedicated session titled ‘Financing the Transition’ will explore what makes green hydrogen projects financially viable. This panel will feature Lina Osman, Managing Director & Head - Sustainable Finance at Standard Chartered Bank, and Dr. Michael Whiteley, Global Head Clean Hydrogen at HSBC, among others.

In addition to focusing on financing aspects, the summit will examine the development of green hydrogen economies across different regions including Asia, the US, and Europe. Distinguished speakers such as Daria Nochevnik, Director for Policy and Partnerships at Hydrogen Council; Joaquin Rodriguez Jadraque, Director of Hydrogen and Clean Energies at Cepsa; and Alicia Eastman, Host of Everything About Hydrogen and Board Member at InterContinental Energy, will contribute their perspectives.

Addressing the challenges faced by hard-to-abate industries like aviation, shipping, and heavy industry in reducing carbon emissions will be another critical topic. A significant discussion on decarbonising the steel sector is set to take place with Micheal Rion, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates Steel Arkan among the speakers.

Masdar's Green Hydrogen Summit promises to be a pivotal event in advancing discussions on green hydrogen's role in achieving a sustainable energy future. By bringing together leaders from various sectors worldwide, it aims to catalyze action towards building a hydrogen economy that supports environmental goals and economic growth.

With inputs from WAM