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Abstract

This paper examines the recent interest in hydrogen energy among political and economic leaders in the oil and gas producing states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Although key stakeholders continue to reinforce the fossil fuel systems that have defined the region’s political economy for decades, they increasingly recognize that the hydrocarbon era is drawing to a close. This has led to an increase in various “post-oil” energy investments, which most recently include hydrogen energy. This discussion paper examines why this is the case – that is, why the GCC’s political and corporate leaders are keen on promoting hydrogen energy systems in the region. It shows that the aspiration to produce “green” hydrogen – originating in Europe and Germany in particular – is increasingly seen as a way to broadcast the region’s green credentials, while simultaneously supporting the investments in “blue” hydrogen promoted by the state-owned hydrocarbon giants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.