The UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Austria’s Federal Ministry of Finance to boost cooperation in the hydrogen technology industry.

The agreement came to build on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was signed with Austria in July 2021.

According to the agreement, the two parties will develop a joint roadmap to accelerate hydrogen utilization in key industrial sectors.

Commenting on the agreement, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber said, “The MoU aims to establish a comprehensive collaboration in hydrogen technology, which will build on the strengths of each party and contribute to the UAE’s position as a leading global energy producer. The agreement is also in line with the UAE’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 through the deployment and use of clean energy solutions.”

“This agreement is in line with the wise leadership’s vision and directives to boost efforts in positioning the UAE among the top industrial countries in the world and contribute to building a sustainable and diversified economy that will make the UAE an international model for sustainable economic development. To achieve this, we must focus on enhancing investment incentives, accessibility of resources and a strong infrastructure. It is also imperative that we develop strategic initiatives that both guide our path forward and demonstrate the foresight to adapt to global shifts,” he added.

For her part, Austria’s Federal Minister of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism of Austria Elisabeth Köstinger said, “It is our shared objective to meet the growing global energy demand while reducing carbon emissions. The United Arab Emirates offer ideal conditions for green hydrogen production, while Austria has decades-long experience in gas transport and storage as well as the required infrastructure. We have decided to combine our respective comparative advantages for the greater good. Today’s signing of a cooperation agreement ensures the Republic of Austria and the UAE remain at the forefront of energy innovation.”

The agreement was signed by Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Elisabeth Köstinger, Federal Minister of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism of Austria; on behalf of Dr. Magnus Brunner, LL.M., Federal Minister of Finance of Austria; in the presence of Karl Nehammer, Federal Chancellor of Austria; Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Leonore Gewesler, Federal Minister of Austria; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology; Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Dr. Andreas Liebmann, Ambassador of Austria to the UAE