KUWAIT: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) organized Thursday a panel discussion bringing together hydrogen experts from GCC countries to explore regional trends, projects and experiences in the rapidly developing sector. The event brought together specialists in hydrogen and energy to discuss opportunities for cooperation and the development of hydrogen technologies across the Gulf. In his opening remarks, KISR Director General Dr Faisal Al-Humaidan said the GCC Secretariat’s selection of KISR as the venue reflected the importance of strengthening cooperation and integration among Gulf institutions in scientific, research and technological fields of common interest.
He said the global energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation amid climate change challenges and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, diversify energy sources and achieve carbon neutrality. “These developments underscore the role of scientific research and innovation in providing sustainable solutions that support decision-makers,” Al-Humaidan said. He noted that hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, is emerging as a promising component of future energy systems because of its potential to reduce emissions, support decarbonization and enhance integration between renewable energy sources and various industrial sectors.
Al-Humaidan said the panel provided an opportunity to review hydrogen production projects, initiatives and research experiences, exchange expertise, and examine challenges and opportunities related to developing and localizing hydrogen technologies. He expressed hope that the discussions would help formulate shared visions, identify priority areas for cooperation and develop a future roadmap to strengthen regional efforts in clean energy technologies, supporting energy security, sustainability and economic development.
He said KISR also hopes the panel will serve as a platform for further cooperation among experts, researchers and specialized institutions and lead to practical initiatives that contribute to developing the hydrogen sector and strengthening its role in clean and sustainable energy. Al-Humaidan affirmed that KISR, in line with its national and regional mission, would continue supporting scientific research and innovation, building partnerships and strengthening cooperation with specialized institutions to help address climate change and support the transition toward a more sustainable and efficient energy system.
The panel opened with a lecture by Dr Fatouh Al-Raqam, Acting Executive Director of KISR’s Energy and Building Research Center, who highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation and exchanging Gulf expertise in hydrogen and its growing role in future energy systems. The event featured specialized sessions covering an integrated assessment of green hydrogen production in Kuwait, Oman’s national green hydrogen strategy, the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, the UAE’s experience and prospects for greater Gulf integration in the hydrogen economy.
A presentation also examined KISR’s research efforts to assess the potential use of green hydrogen in Kuwait’s power generation sector. The event concluded with a panel discussion involving experts and specialists who exchanged views and experiences and examined challenges and opportunities facing the development of the hydrogen sector. Participants also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and integration among GCC countries in hydrogen, with a focus on supporting the region’s energy transition and advancing a more sustainable energy future. — KUNA
