The Middle East and North Africa have the potential to produce hydrogen and synthetic fuels from renewable energy sources, which could help Germany reduce its CO2 emissions and transition to sustainable mobility. Currently, Germany imports a significant portion of its oil from the Middle East. However, a recent study by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Wuppertal Institute, and the Institute for Future Energy and Material Flow Systems (IZES) examined whether the region could become a supplier of hydrogen and e-fuels in the future. The researchers analyzed the potential of 17 countries in the Middle East and North Africa region for the production of hydrogen and e-fuels, taking into account the entire production chain, including energy and hydrogen storage, technological and economic aspects, and country risks. According to the study, the conditions for cost-effective production of hydrogen and e-fuels in the region are excellent, and the authors see “enormous potential” for the countries to become producers and suppliers of synthetic fuels and green hydrogen.
The production of synthetic fuels could cost between 1.92 and 2.65 euros per liter at the most favorable locations by 2030, and the cost could drop to 1.22 to 1.65 euros per liter by 2050. The region can generate over 400,000 terawatt-hours of energy annually from solar energy, which is sufficient to produce hydrogen and synthetic fuels in quantities well above Germany’s needs, even when accounting for the countries’ own demand for renewable energy and corresponding fuels. The study’s findings are crucial for further research and decision-making in industry and politics, according to Jürgen Kern, the lead researcher. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the region’s potential as a producer and supplier of renewable energy-based fuels, and it could serve as a basis for future research and policy decisions.
In conclusion, the Middle East and North Africa have the potential to become significant players in the production of renewable energy-based fuels, which could help Germany reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and transition to sustainable mobility. The study’s findings highlight the importance of investing in renewable energy infrastructure and technology in the region, which could have significant economic and environmental benefits for both the region and Germany.
