More green hydrogen on its way

A new green hydrogen platform: Abu Dhabi-based Innovation Platform Capital (iPC) and Intelligent Investment Holdings will launch a green hydrogen platform in the UAE, starting with a USD 1 bn first phase aimed at building a full value chain for clean fuel. The project covers renewable power generation, green hydrogen production, and converting hydrogen into green ammonia and fuel solutions.

The pitch is exports and beyond: The platform is being positioned to supply hydrogen to refineries and industrial clusters, cooling solutions for increasingly energy-hungry data centers, and green ammonia for exports and as shipping fuel.

Reality check? Gulf states have rolled out multi-bn-USD hydrogen and ammonia plans over the past few years, doubling down on cheap solar power, export infrastructure, and industrial demand from Europe and Asia. But the sector has struggled with weak offtake agreements, high production costs, and uncertainty over how quickly industries such as shipping, steel, and heavy manufacturing will switch to green fuels at scale.

The play here is to position the UAE early in a market many expect to grow over the long term — even as near-term demand remains uneven. “The first phase establishes an expandable clean-fuel base that serves the UAE market first, before expanding regionally and globally,” iPC Managing Partner Juraj Barus said.

What’s next: A dedicated investment fund is set to launch soon to back early-stage development, engineering, and strategic partnerships as the platform moves into build mode.