The UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dutch Ministry for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher to collaborate on hydrogen energy, according to WAM.

The MoU was inked at the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Being a part of their Joint Economic Committee, the two countries are engaged in a structured dialogue to define mutual interests and create a partnership for decarbonizing the energy sector and increasing the use of clean hydrogen.

Al Mazrouei praised bilateral relations between the UAE and the Netherlands which witnessed great progress over the past few years, highlighting the role this MoU plays in expanding the historical partnership between the two countries.

Al Mazrouei said, “Such partnerships contribute to catalyzing the transition towards hydrogen energy, and support the two countries’ orientation in formulating projects and initiatives to support the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and contribute to opening opportunities for growth and development, diversifying the energy mix, relying on clean energy, building concrete partnerships and enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries.”

For her part, Minister Liesje Schreinemacher said, “There is increasing pressure on current ecosystems to meet the burgeoning demand for energy resources without further eroding the ecosystem. The production and use of green Hydrogen Energy as an alternative to fossil fuel has an important place for both of our countries in our aim to achieve net-zero emissions. I very much welcome being here today to sign this important agreement in an effort to achieve our common goals for the future of our planet.”

The UAE seeks to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The production of hydrogen supports its diversification plans and enables the production of more low-carbon export products to maintain its economic position.