‘H2 sustainable energy solutions: A Research and Policy Group’ is a joint initiative between Qatar University’s (QU) College of Engineering and College of Business and Economics. The group aims to equip the country and the research community with cutting-edge technology and energy policies to support Qatar in unlocking its potential and develop a critical component of a long-term strategy to securing continuing prosperity for decades.
The initiative aims to contribute to consolidating the country’s leadership position as a responsible, regional, and global energy provider.
The group’s establishment is a natural extension of previous and ongoing projects encompassing hydrogen supply chain management, clean energy production, carbon management, energy policy, and sustainability. The group consists of experts in engineering, economics, and energy policy, who strive to develop strategic, technological, and realistic solutions for H2 transition and transformation within Qatar’s natural gas infrastructure.
The group welcomes collaborators from stakeholders and local and global academic institutions to join in on the research efforts and aims to host a national workshop on H2 that will engage industry and academic partners, in collaboration with the main stakeholders.
Selected ongoing projects by the group members include: Carbon capture, storage , utilization and transportation, multi-sector h2 supply chain mapping for decarbonization, energy policy, sustainable development, hydrogen production technologies, liquefaction, and transportation, hydrogen combustion technologies, repurposing of existing natural gas infrastructure to include H2 in the mix.
In his speech, Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Khalid Kamal Naji, said, “The College of Engineering aims to prepare globally competent and socially responsible graduates by providing high-quality education. The college, through its quality programs and partnerships, fosters research and scholarly endeavors that advance knowledge and contribute to the welfare of the country. We are proud of initiating the H2 research group with the College of Business and Economics.”
He adds, “Hydrogen is an energy carrier capable of propelling several countries toward net-zero carbon emissions objectives by 2050. Global energy outlooks scenarios show that green and blue hydrogen will account for around 15-20% of world energy consumption by mid-century. These developments show a pressing need for Qatar to pursue energy transition strategies that meet Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and global commitments.”
“Hydrogen being a key player towards Global Energy Transition, it has the potential to enable Qatar to maintain its role as a global leader and provider of clean energy, by expanding its portfolio to include Blue and Green H2 as well as other cleaner energy carriers like ammonia and methanol.”
In her speech, Dr. Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE) said, “The College of Business and Economics aims to provide quality education and knowledge in the fields of business through quality teaching, research, and community service. The college is proud of initiating the H2 group jointly with the College of Engineering. We believe the current research group is a testament to the value CBE places on collaboration and teamwork to address strategic problems in Qatari society and the world.”
She adds, “The work of this group will contribute significantly to supporting Qatar’s domestic development of the hydrogen market and placing the country as a lead player in the growing hydrogen market worldwide in the future. Developing the hydrogen market will also play a key in realizing circular economy practices and sustainability in general in Qatar.”
“In addition to a high quality of teaching, CBE is dedicated to developing and nurturing impactful interdisciplinary initiatives through our faculty members. We support these strategic interdisciplinary research efforts by creating an environment that allows teams with common interests to emerge within CBE and with other colleges and institutions to solve societal problems.”
“CBE is proud to have such high-caliber scholars committed to supporting Qatar’s vision in the transition towards clean energy and a sustainable economy. CBE faculty are collaborating on several research projects for energy policy and climate change solutions with many stakeholders domestically and globally in the economic and energy policy aspects of carbon capture and utilization and energy and water conservation. The current initiative provides the opportunity to holistically address problems and manifests how to realize synergy between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Business and Economics. This project is part of CBE’s commitment to advancing sustainability locally and globally. We are excited that the current initiative provides the opportunity for CBE to advance cutting-edge research and policymaking design toward H2 transition. This is the beginning as CBE plans to further the collaboration with the College of Engineering to address sustainable solutions in Qatar, focusing on business and policy.”
In her comment, Prof. Majeda Khraisheh, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering said, “In the wake of the obvious effects of climate change, the world is looking for transformations in the field of clean energy and its consequent carbon-neutral economy, and effective technologies are being developed in the field of production, storage, transportation and hydrogen. Accordingly, the Department of Chemical Engineering, in cooperation with colleagues from the College of Engineering, College of Business and Economics and the Gas Processing Center, play an active role in developing strategies and technologies within a scientific framework for the transition towards the manufacture and production of blue and green hydrogen in the long and medium term.”
In his comment, Gas Processing Center Director Dr. Mohammed Ali Saleh said “The GPC will work closely with different departments and centers within the university and other stakeholders to support the group. The GPC’s members in the group will contribute in developing a national H2 roadmap for Qatar.”
Source: Qatar University