36
EXPERT VOICE
Black & Veatch
Realising Green Hydrogen’s Potential MIDDLE EAST
Youssef Merjaneh, Managing Director of Black & Veatch EMEA, looks at the type of projects that will foster MENA’s hydrogen economy August 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com
G
reen hydrogen can be used as a zero-carbon fuel, feedstock and energy carrier, and for energy storage. As the world races to combat climate change and transform its energy systems, green hydrogen has a prominent role in decarbonisation strategies across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). MENA countries pledged and budgeted more than US $105 billion toward hydrogen projects and infrastructure, according to business intelligence channel MEED; whose analysis concluded that green hydrogen was attracting the highest level of project funding compared to other decarbonisation categories. CREATING GREEN HYDROGEN
Any form of renewable energy can power green hydrogen electrolysis – the process which splits water into
hydrogen and oxygen. Solar is MENA’s most common renewable energy source, but wind also has a role to play. In addition to renewable electric power, an abundant water supply is essential for green hydrogen production. The quantity of water consumed differs depending on the application, but roughly 9,800 litres of demineralised and deionised water is required for each tonne of green hydrogen produced. As a global engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction company, Black & Veatch serves multiple markets that encompass the hydrogen value chain. We have strong experience in the development of renewable energy and natural gas feedstocks; water treatment for industrial applications; hydrogen generation and purification; hydrogen compression, handling and power generation; and selection of cost-effective storage technology. Our
