The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference successfully convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The two-week conference has attracted over 82,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, representatives from financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders. Notably, this conference stands as the largest climate-focused assembly to date, reflecting a global commitment to addressing climate challenges.
From December 2 to 10, the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (IHFCA) was invited to participate in numerous activities in the Blue Zone, Green Zone and Climate Action Innovation Zone during the conference, in addition to concurrent participation in the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET). These events were centered around the crucial themes of energy transition and the diverse applications of renewable energy. Ms. Ju Wang, Secretary General of IHFCA, shared insights into the applications of low-carbon hydrogen in the transportation industry, success stories and best practices of the new energy vehicles in China, which supported the global promotion of climate governance and actions.
A view of the Expo City, the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
On Dec. 2, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT UAE) jointly hosted a panel discussion titled “Low-Emission Hydrogen for A Net-Zero Industrial Development” at the Green Zone Energy Transition Pavilion during COP28. Together with representatives from A.T. Kearney, the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and the Global Energy Institute-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, IHFCA actively participated in this insightful discussion. Ms. Ju Wang, Secretary General of IHFCA, shared valuable perspectives during the session, highlighting the substantial potential of public-private partnerships in accelerating the transition to hydrogen as a primary fuel source. She also emphasized the promising role of widespread hydrogen applications in the transportation sector as a key driver for achieving decarbonization goals.
Ms. Ju Wang, Secretary General of IHFCA, participates the panel discussion titled “Low-Emission Hydrogen for A Net-Zero Industrial Development” in the Green Zone Energy Transition Pavilion at COP28
On Dec. 2, IHFCA organized a leaders' dialogue themed “COP28 Explore Prospects for the Future Development of the Hydrogen Industry”. Heng Liu, Senior Industrial Development Officer of United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Benny Oeyen, Representative of Vice Chairman Institute of IHFCA, Executive Head of Market Development，PGMs Anglo American Plc., Pinxian Zhang, Deputy General Manager of China National Petroleum Corporation, Ms. Audrey Ma, Standing Executive of IHFCA and Vice President of REFIRE Group, Tiejun Zhang, Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Khalifa University, Prof. Bamidele Adebisi, Executive of IHFCA, the AHP’s University Board Member, etc attended the dialogue event.
This dialogue brought together these influential figures who shared insights into the latest advancements, practical applications, and case studies in hydrogen technology. Fostering collaboration and exchanges, the event helped to enhance the industry's comprehension of hydrogen energy's potential within the future energy landscape and stimulated ongoing innovation in hydrogen technology.
Leaders Dialogue themed “COP28 Explore Prospects for the Future Development of the Hydrogen Industry”
Heng Liu, Senior Industrial Development Officer of UNIDO, emphasized the longstanding collaboration between UNIDO and China in promoting industrialization in developing countries. He highlighted the commitment to deepening cooperation with China in the areas of energy and environment, collectively addressing climate change. Dr. Liu specifically noted the success of a series of Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects conducted in collaboration with the Chinese government and IHFCA. These projects have yielded remarkable results. He further introduced the ongoing significance of the GEF-8 project, currently in progress, which aims to expand China's comprehensive demonstration application of green hydrogen energy. This initiative holds great importance for China's energy transition and the realization of its "dual carbon" goal.
Benny Oeyen, Representative of Vice Chairman Institute of IHFCA and Executive Head of Market Development，PGMs Anglo American Plc., underscored the pivotal role of platinum group metals in the hydrogen energy industry chain. He emphasized the widespread utilization of these precious metals in critical facets of hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. Benny Oeyen highlighted their significant contribution to advancing the use of hydrogen in future net-zero emission transportation and their essential role in establishing the right hydrogen energy ecosystem.
Benny Oeyen, Representative of Vice Chairman Institute of IHFCA and Executive General Manager of Precious Metals Market Development Anglo American
Pinxian Zhang, Deputy General Manager of Development and Planning Department in China National Petroleum Corporation, highlighted the strategic commitment of CNPC as a major oil and gas producer and distributor, both in China and abroad. He underscored the incorporation of green and low-carbon development into the company's corporate strategies, outlining a comprehensive three-step plan. This plan aims to progressively increase the production and supply of clean energy while intensifying efforts on energy conservation and carbon reduction.
Mr. Zhang emphasized the significance of hydrogen as an abundant, low-carbon, and widely applicable secondary energy source crucial to future energy systems. Notably, China has already assumed the role of the world's largest producer and consumer of hydrogen. CNPC has been actively formulating a medium- and long-term development plan for hydrogen, systematically establishing a complete hydrogen industry chain covering production, storage, transportation, and utilization. He expressed CNPC's readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to promote green development and contribute to the ongoing energy transition and global climate change response.
Audrey Ma, Standing Executive of IHFCA and Vice President of REFIRE Group, conveyed the dedication to evolving into a prominent global fuel cell enterprise renowned for its outstanding technology. She emphasized REFIRE Group's commitment to integrating hydrogen energy and fuel cells into everyday life, with a vision to contribute to the creation of a sustainable future. As a vital participant in the global hydrogen energy industry, REFIRE Group is actively engaging in collaborative efforts with both upstream and downstream partners within the hydrogen industry chain, as well as fostering partnerships with hydrogen industry entities and research institutes.
On Dec. 6, the League of Arab States (LAS), in collaboration with the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), organized a side event titled “Accelerating the adoption and integration of electric vehicles in the Arab region’s transport sectors” in the Blue Zone Energy RCREEE Pavilion during COP28. Together with representatives from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, and Morocco Enterprises CGEM, IHFCA actively participated in the insightful panel discussion.
Ju Wang, Secretary General of IHFCA, shared the success stories and best practices from China's new energy vehicle (EV) industry. “The development of China's EV industry has gone through the policy-centered market startup stage and the market cultivation stage to current user and EV market driven growth stage. The government's forward-looking planning, policy support, infrastructure construction, and user recognition have collectively contributed to the successful practice of EVs in China. Currently, China is in a stage where the EV market penetration rate has exceeded 36% and continues to grow.” She remarked.
Ju Wang, Secretary General of IHFCA, participates the panel discussion on “Accelerating the Adoption and Integration of Electric Vehicles in the Arab Region’s Transport Sectors” in the Blue Zone Energy RCREEE Pavilion
On Dec. 7, the 4th annual Hydrogen Transition Summit, organized by Climate Action in collaboration with various partners, including IHFCA, convened in Dubai within the Climate Action Innovation Zone during COP28. Ju Wang, Secretary General of IHFCA was invited to participate in a panel discussion themed “Heavy Industry; Transport; Agriculture; Storage: Where Will Hydrogen Have the Biggest Impact”. Dr. Jürgen Guldner, the General Project Manager of Hydrogen Technology and Vehicle Projects, BMW Group, John Hartley, CEO of Levidian, Jabri Ibrahim, Africa Green Hydrogen Lead of High-Level Champions, Ralph De Haan, Director of Business Development of ENOWA, Christian Pho Duc, CTO of Smartenergy, jointly participated in the discussion.
Ju Wang highlighted the significant impact of large-scale hydrogen fuel cell heavy duty trucks on achieving net-zero emissions in the transportation sector. She emphasized that hydrogen-powered heavy duty trucks are spearheading advancements in the transportation sectors of the European Union, the U.S., and China. Ju Wang stressed the critical role of green hydrogen applications in the transportation industry to scale up the hydrogen energy sector, especially with ongoing breakthroughs in key areas related to hydrogen heavy duty trucks.
Ju Wang, Secretary General of IHFCA participates the panel discussion themed “Heavy Industry; Transport; Agriculture; Storage: Where Will Hydrogen Have the Biggest Impact” in Hydrogen Transition Summit
Amidst the escalating global climate crisis, the promotion of energy transition and the reduction of carbon emissions through the enhancement of renewable energy development have become the focus around the world at the COP28 Conference. The COP28 marks a significant milestone in global climate governance. Throughout the event, over 100 sessions dedicated to hydrogen energy were convened, including the "COP28 Presidency and Leadership High-Level Roundtable", and a suite of flagship initiatives has been launched to accelerate commercialization of hydrogen to keep the 1.5 Degrees target within reach and to unlock the socio-economic benefits of cross-border value chains for hydrogen and its derivatives, featuring:
- Intergovernmental Declaration of Intent on Mutual Recognition of Certification Schemes for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Derivatives covering over 80% of the future global market in hydrogen and its derivatives.
- ISO methodology providing a global benchmark for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessment of hydrogen pathways on a life-cycle analysis basis.
- Public-Private Action Statement on cross-border trade corridors in hydrogen and derivatives in partnership with the International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF) and the Hydrogen Council
- Global Certification Standard. Through the UAE Hydrogen Declaration of Intent, 27 countries have agreed to endorse a global certification standard and to recognize existing certification schemes, helping to unlock global trade in low-carbon hydrogen.
Hydrogen energy has emerged as a focal point for major countries and regions worldwide, poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future energy landscape and serving as a critical carrier for energy terminals to achieve green and low-carbon energy transition. IHFCA is committed to advancing global collaboration and exchange within the hydrogen energy and fuel cell sector. IHFCA aims to establish an inclusive platform for international cooperation across the entire industrial chain, fostering information sharing, embracing open science, and driving technological advancements, as well as the global commercialization and promotion of hydrogen energy and fuel cells. Through these initiatives, IHFCA seeks to facilitate the attainment of deep decarbonization and sustainable development goals around the world.
About IHFCA
Launched by China SAE, FORVIA, Sinopec, SAIC, Toyota, Hyundai, Anglo American, Honda, CHN Energy, Tsinghua University and other world leading companies and organizations, the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (IHFCA) is an international organization, officially established in July 2022 with its headquarter in Beijing. IHFCA is committed to promoting worldwide hydrogen collaboration as well as fuel cell vehicles' rollout and commercialization, helping to achieve the goal of global carbon neutrality.