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UNIDO’s ‘Global Clean Hydrogen Programme’ (link) for 14.9 million USD and 141.5 million USD co-financing was approved in early February 2024 during the 66th GEF Council Meeting under the GEF-8 funding cycle. This follows shortly after another UNIDO project was approved under GEF-8 for ‘Green Hydrogen Energy Application Project’ (link) in China for $17.8 million USD and $178.6 million USD co-financing. Both projects are envisaged to mobilize further funds and public-private partnerships.Both the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme and the Green Hydrogen Energy Application Project fall under the UNIDO’s umbrella hydrogen initiative, the Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry, which assists developing countries and transition economies in overcoming identified barriers in order to accelerate the local uptake of clean hydrogen for a low-carbon industrialization and encourage a just hydrogen transition.Over its five-year plan, the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme will enhance national institutional capacities, create enabling policy frameworks, improve technological readiness through capacity building, promote innovation, and design financial mechanisms and risk mitigation strategies. At the global level, the programme will foster collective learning through knowledge creation, sharing and exchange of good practices on clean hydrogen production and application. Country-specific technical assistance focusing on green hydrogen industrial clusters will be tailored and nationally implemented in Algeria, Ecuador, Egypt, Malaysia, Namibia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and South Africa. UNIDO will cooperate with further countries and invite them to join the programme.The ‘GEF-8 Green Hydrogen Energy Application Project’ in China will catalyse green hydrogen production and utilization with the goal of supporting the energy transition in Ningdong, Dalian and Shenyang. The project will develop policies, standards, regulations, and an information platform to promote a green hydrogen integrated supply chain as well as the demonstration of green hydrogen applied to industries and heavy-duty trucks. The project will also promote capacity building, knowledge dissemination and international cooperation. In its five-year lifetime, the project aims to mitigate 147 million tonnes of CO2 and benefit 50,000 local inhabitants in terms of green job creation.Through such programmes, UNIDO will further cooperate with key hydrogen stakeholders such as the European Commission, the World Bank, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and development finance institutions to leverage diverse resources, expertise, and convene key global stakeholders to upscale the hydrogen economy in developing countries and transition economies and accelerate hydrogen uptake at global level.

On the way towards an inclusive and sustainable green hydrogen transition, countries face numerous challenges: they lack strategies, regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, know-how and more. Sound policymaking will be key to realizing green hydrogen’s potential, yet guidance on adequate measures is scarce.Based on their institutional mandates to promote the widespread and sustainable use of clean energy worldwide for inclusive and sustainable industrialization and the global common good, UNIDO, IRENA, and IDOS have contributed their own specific expertise to co-author a policy report titled, Green hydrogen for Sustainable Industrial Development: A Policy Toolkit for Developing Countries.This comprehensive publication is the first to encompass the entire green hydrogen value chain - including backward linkages, production and end-use - with a specific focus on developing countries. It highlights green hydrogen's transformative potential, offers strategic guidance for equitable benefits distribution, and includes detailed policy sheets that outline the policy options to this end.The report challenges the conventional view of green hydrogen as primarily an export commodity from countries rich in renewables but lacking in industrial power. Instead, the focus is shifted to the potential of green hydrogen to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social progress within these countries in order to ensure the distribution of potential benefits in the most equitable manner.“An essential prerequisite to the global scale up of green hydrogen uptake is the development of the necessary policy and legal frameworks and coordinating international standards. Without regulatory clarity, green hydrogen projects are unable to move forward as they cannot plan or assess risk. This toolkit aims to guide policymakers in developing a regulatory environment that enables green hydrogen production,” wrote Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, Francisco La Camera, Director General of IRENA and Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Director of IDOS, in their joint foreword.The Toolkit equips policymakers with the latest strategies, challenges, and solutions for creating a local value chain around green hydrogen production. The report can be downloaded here.  

UNIDO Hosts Successful ISO TC 197 Hydrogen Technologies Plenary Week 13-17 November 2023Vienna, November 17, 2023 - The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) successfully hosted the Technical Committees of the ISO TC 197 Hydrogen Technologies Plenary Week from November 13 to 17, 2023, at the Vienna International Centre (VIC). The event, held within the framework of the Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry, brought together more than 150 global experts to deliberate on critical issues surrounding hydrogen standards.As part of the exclusive programme for the ISO TC 197 members, the UNIDO-ISO Strategic Planning meeting took place titled “Innovation in hydrogen: How to accelerate innovation in H2 in developing countries through standards". This meeting was attended by over 150 in-person attendees and 150 online participants representing 62 countries, including 34 developing nations. The engagement underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by developing countries in their strategies to accelerate hydrogen production.Key Outcomes:Information Sharing on International Standards: Participants stressed the need to share information on the international standards being developed at ISO to enhance transparency and cooperation.Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building: Acknowledging the obligation of more advanced countries, discussions highlighted the importance of transferring technical knowledge, providing support to build capacity, and educating on the challenges related to hydrogen technologies.New Partnership Models: The plenary emphasized the need to creatively establish new partnership models, fostering collaboration between private entities, government agencies, and international organizations to support developing countries in their hydrogen initiatives.Technical Tour: Hydrogen Filling Station 17 NovemberThe plenary week concluded with a Technical Tour on November 17 hosted by Wien Energie, providing participants with an insight into a Hydrogen Filling Station. Since 2021, this station, established for buses and trucks in Leopoldau, has been a pivotal part of Vienna's commitment to sustainable transport.UNIDO is excited to continue shaping the future of sustainable energy through collaboration and shared expertise. The success of the plenary week reflects the commitment of global experts to advancing hydrogen technologies and standards

On 17 November 2023, UNIDO signed a Joint Declaration with the Slovene Enterprise Fund. The objective of this Partnership is to promote the uptake of hydrogen for industrial applications in developing countries and emerging economies.The collaboration within the framework of The Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry will be developed in the following areas:Awareness raising, knowledge exchange and capacity building (policy, standards, skills, technologies).Promotion of hydrogen technologies and their applications in industry.Organization of joint events and global forum activities.Pilot Projects for hydrogen applications in industry.The joint declaration was signed by Petra Schwager (on behalf of UNIDO), and Maja Tomanič-Vidovič (on behalf of the Slovene Enterprise Fund). 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 December 2023 – In a significant stride toward fostering global industrial development, Mr. Silvio Dulinsky, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Ms. Petra Schwager on behalf of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have formalized the commitment to enhance collaboration between the two organizations.The declaration, reaffirming a collaboration spanning over forty years, underscores the shared objectives of ISO and UNIDO in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development worldwide. The collaboration focuses on encouraging the adoption of International Standards to support innovation and address global challenges, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9).Key Highlights of the Joint Declaration:Boosting Compliance Capacities: ISO and UNIDO will collaborate to strengthen the compliance capacities of industries in developing countries, ensuring adherence to social and environmental sustainability standards.Developing International Standards on Low-Carbon Hydrogen: The organizations commit to collaborating on developing standards on low-carbon hydrogen, aiming to accelerate the implementation of projects based on renewable energy sources.Strengthening National Standards Bodies (NSB): The organizations aim to empower National Standards Bodies to develop relevant standards, embrace technology, and actively participate in international standards-setting processes.Supporting SME Competitiveness: The collaboration will target Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promoting the adoption of International Standards to enhance competitiveness and participation in global sustainable value chains.Advocating for Climate-Resilient Industrial Development: ISO and UNIDO will work towards achieving a net-zero target by 2050 by identifying and promoting standards in key industrial sectors, facilitating climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries.This joint effort signifies a crucial step forward in the mutual pursuit of sustainable development goals and the advancement of international standards to address the challenges of the evolving global landscape.

At the heart of UNIDO mission lies the commitment to advance a just and inclusive global hydrogen economy, ensuring that no country is left behind and fostering socio-economic benefits. As coordinator and technical secretariat of the International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF), UNIDO facilitates cooperation among the members of the Forum and industrial leaders while bringing in the perspective and considerations of developing countries and transition economies in line with its mandate. On December 5th, a significant milestone was achieved with the inaugural Ministerial-CEO meeting of the IHTF, held as part of the COP28 Presidency’s High-Level Roundtable on Hydrogen. This event brought together over two dozen Ministerial officials from prospective hydrogen-importing and exporting countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The meeting also saw the participation of a delegation of Hydrogen Council CEOs, representing global industrial leaders in hydrogen (e.g. Air Liquide, Air Products, Hy24, InterContinental Energy, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Linde, Masdar, OCI, Port of Rotterdam Authority, Snam, ThyssenKrupp Nucera, and others).This event marked the launch of a suite of flagship initiatives aimed at accelerating the commercialization of hydrogen. These initiatives are designed to ensure the achievement of the 1.5 degrees target, while unlocking the socio-economic benefits inherent in cross-border value chains for hydrogen and its derivatives:🌱The Public-Private Action Statement between the International Hydrogen Trade Forum and the Hydrogen Council laying out priority focus areas to synchronize the efforts of governments and industrial leaders. 🌱 Intergovernmental Declaration of Intent on Mutual Recognition of Certification Schemes for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Derivatives covering over 80% of the future global market in hydrogen and its derivatives.🌱The ISO methodology providing a global benchmark for greenhouse gas emissions assessment of hydrogen pathways on a life-cycle analysis basis. The roundtable featured remarks by UNIDO Director General Mr. Gerd Müller and representatives of the Clean Energy Ministerial, the International Energy Agency, the International Organization for Standardization, and the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy.Gerd Müller, UNIDO Director General stated: “I would like to congratulate the COP28 Presidency on the work carried to advance low carbon hydrogen as the fuel of the future. The Declaration of Intent on Mutual Recognition of Certification Schemes for Hydrogen and Derivatives and the launch of the ISO methodology for greenhouse gas emissions assessment of hydrogen (Technical Specification, TS 19870) will certainly contribute to that end. UNIDO actively supports the COP28 Hydrogen Action Agenda and the initiatives of the International Hydrogen Trade Forum through the Private Public Action Statement. A just low-carbon hydrogen transition needs all of us to work together and share our knowledge and resources. I look forward to this dialogue that will help us move forward for a more sustainable future that leaves no country behind.”The International Hydrogen Trade Forum was launched on 22 July 2023 during the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial meeting that took place in Goa, India, with the aim of accelerating global hydrogen flows and providing a platform to foster the dialogue between a wide group of governments on the nascent international hydrogen market.Through its Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry, UNIDO influences and –contributes to the development of hydrogen policies, standards, skills, financing instruments, innovation and tangible green hydrogen industrial cluster projects aiming to unlock the socio-economic and environmental value of the international hydrogen economy and trade.

Frankfurt, November 14, 2023 - UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and VDMA today signed a joint declaration of intent in Frankfurt. Together, the two organizations aim to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing, emerging and transition economies in the future. The declaration was signed at the conference "From Production to Application: THE #P2X CONFERENCE." The partnership aims to promote efficient equipment, technology and investment development in the target countries. Likewise, it foresees joining hands in capacity building for industrial development and diversification there. The focus areas are green hydrogen, agribusiness, the textile and clothing industry, the circular economy, and water and wastewater treatment.  With its 3,600 members, the VDMA is Germany and Europe's largest network organization for mechanical and plant engineering. The association represents this unique and diverse industry's common economic, technical and scientific interests. 

VIENNA – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has published the first edition of Green Hydrogen Industrial Clusters Guidelines to help governments and industries accelerate industrial decarbonization by replacing fossil fuels in hard-to-abate sectors.Nearly all countries have committed to decarbonize their economies in the coming decades in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The industrial sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore plays a critical role in meeting these ambitious goals. Renewable or green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using renewable electricity, is an essential element of the clean energy transition, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors.UNIDO defines green hydrogen industrial clusters (GHIC) as industrial regions or clusters that share green hydrogen (production, transport and use) and renewable energy electricity, in addition to other resources for different purposes including material production, heating and cooling, local mobility and industrial feedstock. These clusters have a great potential to accelerate the uptake of green hydrogen in local industry, supporting decarbonization and the development of new low-carbon industries.UNIDO has developed a model for GHIC that aims to accelerate the application of locally produced green hydrogen in industrial zones, clusters and parks. It aims to serve as a replicable model through which countries can deploy green hydrogen technologies to achieve their emissions reductions and industrial production goals, as well as generate economic and social opportunities.Green Hydrogen Industrial Clusters Guidelines provides information on the multi-stakeholder engagement and coordination required for the design and implementation of an overarching policy framework for the development of the clusters.Gerd Müller, UNIDO Director General, said he hopes that the guidelines “will be useful for policymakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders as we work together to achieve the goal of sustainable and inclusive industrial development, and create a better future for all.”Matteo Michelli from Deutsche Energie-Agentur – dena (German Energy Agency), who contributed to publication, said, "In the realm of green hydrogen reports, this work stands out, combining both a deep-dive and an actionable guide. This is achieved by first providing a comprehensive list of challenges and enablers for using green hydrogen in industrial clusters and then identifying concrete steps to bring green hydrogen industrial clusters from an idea to implementation and upscaling."Another contributor, Sabina Krøigaard from Denmark’s GreenLab, said, "Until now, creating a green hydrogen industrial cluster has been the work of pioneers spread across the globe. This publication offers inspiration and concrete tools for moving forward and empowers curious entrepreneurs to take action."Also contributing to Green Hydrogen Industrial Clusters Guidelines were authors from Future Cleantech Architects, Impact Hydrogen and New Energy Coalition.UNIDO supports Member States in developing green hydrogen economies through project development, stakeholder engagement and dialogue, and by offering best practices and guidelines as part of its Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry.Download the publication here.For more information, contact: hydrogen@unido.orgFollow UNIDO’s work on green hydrogen on Twitter and Linkedin