Welcome note
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Dear Readers, Welcome to the inaugural edition of the EU-GCC Green Transition Project Newsletter. On behalf of the entire EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project team, I am excited to introduce you to this platform, where we will keep you updated on the latest developments, insights, and progress in our shared journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. |
The EU and GCC countries committed in October 2024 in Brussels to intensify their cooperation on energy security, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. This collaboration is based on the 1989 Cooperation Agreement and the 2022–2027 Joint Action Programme.
Launched in 2023, the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition project represents a significant milestone in this long-standing partnership. Together, we are addressing climate change, sustainable development, and the shift to renewable energy — harnessing innovation and shared expertise to reduce emissions and build a thriving renewable hydrogen market in the Gulf.
This newsletter is designed as a space for knowledge exchange, offering you updates on EU-GCC milestones, expert interviews, and regional developments. We believe collaboration is key to a sustainable future, and we look forward to keeping you informed every step of the way.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.
Warm regards,
Spyros Kouvelis
Team Leader,
EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project
EU & Regional Developments
Energy Transition
| EU Proposes Extending Gas Storage Targets Until 2027 The EU aims for 90% gas storage capacity yearly until 2027 to safeguard energy supply. 🔗 Read more |
EU's Clean Industrial Deal Targets Decarbonization Aims to support green industries and tackle energy prices, trade, and industrial innovation. 🔗 Read more |
GCC Country Highlights
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
| Siemens Energy Secures $1.6bn Power Project Supplying Rumah 2 and Nairyah 2 plants, adding 3.6 GW to the Kingdom's grid. 🔗 Read more |
Saudi-Italy Green Hydrogen Deal Positions Saudi Arabia as a key supplier to Europe via Italy. 🔗 Read more |
| PIF Expands Renewables Portfolio Major investments in solar, wind, and hydrogen to meet Vision 2030 goals. 🔗 Read more |
ACWA Power & Aramco Expand Hydrogen Projects New green hydrogen and energy storage projects underway. 🔗 Read more |
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
| Masdar Launches $6B Clean Energy Facility To generate 1 GW of continuous renewable power by 2027. 🔗 Read more |
UAE Leads Global Energy Efficiency Alliance Announced at COP29 to double global energy efficiency by 2030. 🔗 Read more |
🇴🇲 Oman
| Green Energy Oman Feasibility Study Complete Confirms large-scale hydrogen and ammonia viability. 🔗 Read more |
Manah 2 Solar Farm Inaugurated New 588 MW solar project expands Oman’s renewable capacity. 🔗 Read more |
🇰🇼 Kuwait
| Kuwait Expands Renewable Energy Shaqaya Complex and PPPs to add over 5 GW of clean power. 🔗 Read more |
Kuwait Integrates Hydrogen in Energy Grid Feasibility study underway to diversify national energy mix. 🔗 Read more |
🇶🇦 Qatar
| QatarEnergy Breaks Ground on $1.2B Blue Ammonia Plant Plant to produce 1.2M tons annually, advancing clean energy leadership. 🔗 Read more |
Qatar's 2024–2030 Climate Strategy 25% emissions reduction & 30% land preservation by 2030. 🔗 Read more |
🇧🇭 Bahrain
| Energy Transition Plan Targets 20% Renewables by 2035 Milestone strategy launched to reach net-zero by 2060. 🔗 Read more |
Bahrain Scales Up Solar Investments New solar partnerships to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 🔗 Read more |
In Dialogue: Expert Insights
Mr. Tarig Ahmed, Regional Programme Officer – MENA at IRENA, shares insights on EU-GCC cooperation, hydrogen challenges, and renewables policy strategies.
Q: How do you envision EU-GCC cooperation shaping energy transition?
EU-GCC cooperation can accelerate low-carbon development through policy alignment, joint tech innovation, and trade in renewables and green hydrogen.
Q: What are the challenges & opportunities for scaling hydrogen in the GCC?
Key challenges include infrastructure and production cost. Yet the region’s solar potential and strategic exports position the GCC as a future leader.
Q: How can renewables support economic diversification?
Renewable energy is a catalyst for job creation, foreign investment, and global competitiveness — reducing dependence on oil.
We welcome collaboration opportunities and expert contributions!
📧 Rania Nseir
Events & Communications Expert
rnseir@eugcc.eu
🔹 Stay connected
LinkedIn: @eu-gcc-greentransition
Instagram: @eugcc_green
Website: EEAS Project Page
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