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At the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi, ZETA CEO Jan Haizmann participated in a forward-looking panel hosted by TAQA Group, exploring the challenges and opportunities in developing low-carbon and green hydrogen markets.
The discussion was candid yet optimistic. As Frederik Beelitz from Aurora Energy Research noted, the market is still in its infancy: “We’re at very early stages, trying to create a market essentially out of nothing.”
One central tension highlighted is the mismatch between producers and offtakers:
This reflects the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: no demand without infrastructure, and no infrastructure without demand.
Jan drew parallels to Europe, where evolving regulatory and funding frameworks are beginning to shape clean hydrogen import markets, including from the MENA region. However, he stressed the difficulty in securing long-term price commitments: “No one can carry that risk.” Still, the rapid scaling of renewables offers hope that hydrogen could follow a similar trajectory under the right conditions.
Highlighting regional progress, Jan pointed to Oman as a leader actively pursuing green hydrogen exports to Belgium through partnerships with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and establishing the region’s first electricity spot market in the GCC.
He also noted the significance of carbon prices embedded in European electricity markets, emphasizing this as a key development to watch.
Jan issued a strong call to action for MENA countries: “Europe can’t carry the weight of MENA’s hydrogen future.” He urged nations to develop internal markets with clear rules and binding targets to stimulate demand.
With abundant natural resources and sunshine, the potential is vast, but Jan cautioned: “The opportunity is real because of the sunshine. But that alone won’t make it happen.”
ZETA remains dedicated to supporting the development of robust hydrogen markets across the MENA region, fostering sustainable growth and energy transition.
